document_title: List of National Basketball Association annual steals leaders

question_text: who led the league in steals last year

question_tokens: who led the league in steals last year

text: Key[edit]

text:
^
Denotes player who is still active in the NBA

*
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Player (X)
Denotes the number of times the player had been the
steals leader up to and including that season

G
Guard
F
Forward
C
Center

text: Steal leaders[edit]

text:
Season
Player
Position[a]
Team
Games
played
Total steals
Steals per game
References

1973–74
Steele, LarryLarry Steele
G/F
Portland Trail Blazers
81
217
2.68
[4][5]

1974–75
Barry, RickRick Barry*
F
Golden State Warriors
80
228
2.85
[6][7]

1975–76
Watts, Don "Slick"Don "Slick" Watts
G
Seattle SuperSonics
82
261
3.18
[8][9]

1976–77
Buse, DonDon Buse
G
Indiana Pacers
81
281
3.47
[10][11]

1977–78
Lee, RonRon Lee
G
Phoenix Suns
82
225
2.74
[12][13]

1978–79
Carr, M. L.M. L. Carr[b]
G
Detroit Pistons
80
197
2.46
[14][15]

1979–80
Richardson, Micheal RayMicheal Ray Richardson
G/F
New York Knicks
82
265
3.23
[16][17]

1980–81
Johnson, MagicMagic Johnson*[c]
G/F
Los Angeles Lakers
37
127
3.43
[18][19]

1981–82
Johnson, MagicMagic Johnson* (2)[d]
G/F
Los Angeles Lakers
78
208
2.67
[19][20]

1982–83
Richardson, Micheal RayMicheal Ray Richardson (2)[e]
G/F
Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets
64
182
2.84
[17][21]

1983–84
Green, RickeyRickey Green
G
Utah Jazz
81
215
2.65
[22][23]

1984–85
Richardson, Micheal RayMicheal Ray Richardson (3)
G/F
New Jersey Nets
82
243
2.96
[17][24]

1985–86
Robertson, AlvinAlvin Robertson
G
San Antonio Spurs
82
301
3.67
[25][26]

1986–87
Robertson, AlvinAlvin Robertson (2)
G
San Antonio Spurs
81
260
3.21
[26][27]

1987–88
Jordan, MichaelMichael Jordan*
G
Chicago Bulls
82
259
3.16
[28][29]

1988–89
Stockton, JohnJohn Stockton*
G
Utah Jazz
82
263
3.21
[30][31]

1989–90
Jordan, MichaelMichael Jordan* (2)
G
Chicago Bulls
82
227
2.77
[29][32]

1990–91
Robertson, AlvinAlvin Robertson (3)
G
Milwaukee Bucks
81
246
3.04
[26][33]

1991–92
Stockton, JohnJohn Stockton* (2)
G
Utah Jazz
82
244
2.98
[31][34]

1992–93
Jordan, MichaelMichael Jordan* (3)
G
Chicago Bulls
78
221
2.83
[29][35]

1993–94
McMillan, NateNate McMillan
G
Seattle SuperSonics
73
216
2.96
[36][37]

1994–95
Pippen, ScottieScottie Pippen*
F
Chicago Bulls
79
232
2.94
[38][39]

1995–96
Payton, GaryGary Payton*
G
Seattle SuperSonics
81
231
2.85
[40][41]

1996–97
Blaylock, MookieMookie Blaylock
G
Atlanta Hawks
78
212
2.72
[42][43]

1997–98
Blaylock, MookieMookie Blaylock (2)[f]
G
Atlanta Hawks
70
183
2.61
[43][44]

1998–99[g]
Gill, KendallKendall Gill
G
New Jersey Nets
50
134
2.68
[46][47]

1999–00
Jones, EddieEddie Jones
G/F
Charlotte Hornets
72
192
2.67
[48][49]

2000–01
Iverson, AllenAllen Iverson*[h]
G
Philadelphia 76ers
71
178
2.51
[50][51]

2001–02
Iverson, AllenAllen Iverson* (2)[i]
G
Philadelphia 76ers
60
168
2.80
[51][52]

2002–03
Iverson, AllenAllen Iverson* (3)
G
Philadelphia 76ers
82
225
2.74
[51][53]

2003–04
Davis, BaronBaron Davis[j]
G
New Orleans Hornets
67
158
2.36
[54][55]

2004–05
Hughes, LarryLarry Hughes[k]
G
Washington Wizards
61
176
2.89
[56][57]

2005–06
Wallace, GeraldGerald Wallace^[l]
F
Charlotte Bobcats
55
138
2.51
[58][59]

2006–07
Davis, BaronBaron Davis (2)[m]
G
Golden State Warriors
63
135
2.14
[55][60]

2007–08
Paul, ChrisChris Paul^
G
New Orleans Hornets
80
217
2.71
[61][62]

2008–09
Paul, ChrisChris Paul^ (2)
G
New Orleans Hornets
78
216
2.77
[62]

2009–10
Rondo, RajonRajon Rondo^
G
Boston Celtics
81
189
2.33
[63]

2010–11
Paul, ChrisChris Paul^ (3)
G
New Orleans Hornets
80
188
2.35
[62]

2011–12[n]
Paul, ChrisChris Paul^ (4)
G
Los Angeles Clippers
60
152
2.53
[62]

2012–13
Paul, ChrisChris Paul^ (5)[o]
G
Los Angeles Clippers
70
169
2.41
[62]

2013–14
Paul, ChrisChris Paul^ (6)[p]
G
Los Angeles Clippers
62
154
2.48
[62]

2014–15
Leonard, KawhiKawhi Leonard^ [q]
F
San Antonio Spurs
64
148
2.31
[67]

2015–16
Curry, StephenStephen Curry^
G
Golden State Warriors
79
169
2.14
[68]

2016–17
Green, DraymondDraymond Green^
F
Golden State Warriors
76
154
2.03
[69]

text: Multiple-time leaders[edit]

text:
Ranking
Player
Team
Times leader
Years

1
Chris Paul
New Orleans Hornets (3) / Los Angeles Clippers (3)
6
2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2
Allen Iverson
Michael Jordan
Micheal Ray Richardson
Alvin Robertson
Philadelphia 76ers
Chicago Bulls
New York Knicks (1) / Golden State Warriors / New Jersey Nets (1) / New Jersey Nets (1)
San Antonio Spurs (2) / Milwaukee Bucks (1)
3
2001, 2002, 2003
1988, 1990, 1993
1980, 1983, 1985
1986, 1987, 1991

3
Mookie Blaylock
Baron Davis
Magic Johnson
John Stockton
Atlanta Hawks
New Orleans Hornets (1) / Golden State Warriors (1)
Los Angeles Lakers
Utah Jazz
2
1997, 1998
2004, 2007
1981, 1982
1989, 1992

text: Notes[edit]

text:
Jump up ^ The player's primary position is listed first.
Jump up ^ In the 1978–79 season, Eddie Jordan and Norm Nixon both had the highest steal total (201) but they were tied for second in steal average (2.45).[14]
Jump up ^ In the 1980–81 season, Magic Johnson had only played in 37 games and ranked seventeenth in steal total. Micheal Ray Richardson had the highest total (232).[18]
Jump up ^ In the 1981–82 season, Maurice Cheeks had the highest steal total (209) but was second in steal average (2.65).[20]
Jump up ^ In the 1982–83 season, Micheal Ray Richardson had only played in 64 games and ranked sixth in steal total. Rickey Green had the highest total (220).[21]
Jump up ^ In the 1997–98 season, Mookie Blaylock had only played in 70 games and ranked fourth in steal total. Brevin Knight had the highest total (196).[44]
Jump up ^ The 1998–99 season was shortened to 50 games due to the league's lockout.[45] The qualification of this season's steal title is to appear in at least 43 games (out of 50) or to have at least 76 steals.[3]
Jump up ^ In the 2000–01 season, Doug Christie had the highest steal total (183) but was third in steal average (2.26).[50]
Jump up ^ In the 2001–02 season, Jason Kidd had the highest steal total (175) but was third in steal average (2.13).[52]
Jump up ^ In the 2003–04 season, Shawn Marion had the highest steal total (167) but was second in steal average (2.11).[54]
Jump up ^ In the 2004–05 season, Allen Iverson had the highest steal total (180) but was second in steal average (2.40).[56]
Jump up ^ In the 2005–06 season, Gerald Wallace had only played in 55 games and ranked tenth in steal total. Chris Paul had the highest total (175).[58]
Jump up ^ In the 2006–07 season, Baron Davis had only played in 63 games and ranked sixth in steal total. Shawn Marion had the highest total (156).[60]
Jump up ^ The 2011–12 season was shortened to 66 games due to the league's lockout.[64] The qualification of this season's scoring title is to appear in at least 57 games (out of 66) or to have at least 101 steals.[3]
Jump up ^ In the 2012–13 season, Mike Conley, Jr. had the highest steal total (174) but was third in steal average (2.2).[65]
Jump up ^ In the 2013–14 season, Ricky Rubio and Thaddeus Young both had higher steal totals (190 and 167 respectively) but they were second and third in steal average (2.3 and 2.1), respectively.[66]
Jump up ^ In the 2014–15 season, Stephen Curry had the highest steal total (163) but was third in steal average tied with Tony Allen (2.0).

tag: ol


document_title: List of best-selling music artists

question_text: who's the best selling female artist of all time

question_tokens: who 's the best selling female artist of all time

root

text: List of best-selling music artists

text: Definitions

text: All artists included on this list, which have begun charting on official albums or singles charts have their available claimed figures supported by at least 20% in certified units. That is why Cliff Richard, Diana Ross, Scorpions, Bing Crosby, Gloria Estefan, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Tom Jones, The Jackson 5, Dionne Warwick, the Spice Girls, Dolly Parton, Ozzy Osbourne, Andrea Bocelli and others have not been included on this list. The more recent the artist, the higher the required percentage of certified units, so artists such as Rihanna, Chris Brown, Taylor Swift, Flo Rida, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Adele, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj and Ed Sheeran are expected to have their claimed figures supported by over 75% in certified units. The certified units are sourced from available online databases of local music industry associations. All certified units are converted from Gold/Platinum/Diamond certification awards based on criteria provided by certifying bodies. The certified units percentage varies according to the first year that an artist appeared in the charts.[a]

tag: p

text: The requirements of certified units are designed to avoid inflated sales figures, which are frequently practiced by record companies for promotional purposes.[1][2] The claimed figures are referenced from online articles created by highly reliable sources. For clarity, the sources used, say the term "records" (singles, albums, videos) and not "albums". However, if all available sources for an artist or band say "albums", such sources are only used if the certified album units of the said artist meet the required percentage amount. This list uses claimed figures that are closest to artists' available certified units: inflated claimed figures that meet the required certified units amount but are unrealistically high, are not used.

text: The claimed figures are upgraded only when there is a significant progress in artists' certified units. In other words, the available certified units for each artist should get relatively closer to already listed claimed figure in order for higher figures to replace the listed ones.

text: The certified units of the newer artists may sometimes be higher than their listed claimed figures. This is because Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and almost all other certifying bodies count streaming towards Gold and Platinum thresholds required for Digital Single Award certification.[3][4][5] For this reason, some singles and even albums get over certified by hundreds of thousands of units. The over certified figures, however, are often in millions of units for RIAA certifications, one such example is Rihanna's single "We Found Love", which is certified at nine times Platinum by the RIAA, yet during the time of the certification, it had sold 5.4 million downloads.[6][7]

text: The certified units for some artists/bands who have multi-disc albums can be higher than their listed claimed figures due to Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) counting each unit within set as one unit toward certification.

text: Issued certifications for songs which have been recorded by multiple artists including featured artists are added to each artist's total amount of certified units, as all the artists would have played a significant part in a song. For example "This Is What You Came For" and "Where Them Girls At" include Rihanna and Flo Rida, Nicki Minaj as featured artists respectively, so the certifications issued for these songs are added to the total amount of certified units for all involved artists. However, the certifications issued for songs that have been recorded by four or more artists are not included as the artists involved would have played minor roles, examples of such songs are Kanye West's "Monster" and/or "All Day".[b]

text: Artists by reputed sales

text: 250 million or more records

text:
The Beatles

Elvis Presley

Michael Jackson

Elton John

Madonna

Led Zeppelin

Pink Floyd

tag: ul

text:
To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
The figures of total certified units within the tables below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
Markets' order within the tables is based on Retail Value: each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and smallest at the bottom.[8][9]

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[c]

Claimed sales

The Beatles

United Kingdom

1960–1970[10]

1962[10]

Rock / Pop[10]

showTotal available certified units: 271.9 million
US: 212.250 million[11]
JPN: 4.950 million[c][12]
GER: 8 million[c][13]
UK: 18.445 million[c][14]
FRA: 3.890 million[c][15][16]
CAN: 14.455 million[c][17]
AUS: 3.060 million[c][18][19]
BRA: 550,000[c][20]
NLD: 295,000[c][21]
ITA: 380,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.250 million[c][23][24]
SWE 485,000[c][25]
DEN: 270,000[c][26][27][28]
SWI: 350,000[c][29]
ARG: 1.606 million[c][30][31]
BEL: 390,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 500,000[c][34]
POL: 175,000[c][35]
NZ: 660,000[c][36][37]

600 million[38][39]500 million[40]

Elvis Presley

United States

1954–1977[41]

1954[41]

Rock and roll / Pop / Country[41]

showTotal available certified units: 224.5 million
US: 199.150 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[c][12]
GER: 1.2 million[c][13]
UK: 13.145 million[c][14]
FRA: 2.590 million[c][15][16]
CAN: 2.925 million[c][17]
AUS: 1.797 million[c][18][42]
BRA: 125,000[c][20]
NLD: 555,000[c][21]
ITA: 105,000[c][22]
SPA: 300,000[c][23][43][44]
SWE 380,000[c][25]
DEN: 120,000[c][45][46][47]
SWI: 185,000[c][29]
MEX: 105,000[c][48]
ARG: 110,000[c][30]
BEL: 115,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 205,000[c][34]
FIN: 213,945[c][49]
NZ: 117,500[c][36][37]

600 million[50][51]500 million[52]

Michael Jackson

United States

1964–2009[53]

1971[53]

Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B[53]

showTotal available certified units: 188.7 million
US: 104.5 million[11]
JPN: 4.650 million[c][12][54]
GER: 11.275 million[13]
UK: 29.045 million[14]
FRA: 11.375 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 4.670 million[17]
AUS: 6.775 million[c][18][19][56][57][58]
BRA: 280,000[c][20]
NLD: 2.105 million[21]
ITA: 1.195 million[c][22]
SPA: 1.995 million[c][23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 1.230 million[c][25][60]
DEN: 1.289 million[c][61][62][28]
SWI: 910,000[c][29]
MEX: 3.670 million[c][48]
ARG: 124,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 665,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 1.197 million[c][34]
POL: 530,000[c][35]
FIN: 384,127[49]
NZ: 902,500[36][37]

350 million[63][64]300 million[65][66]

Madonna

United States

1979–present[67]

1982[67]

Pop / Dance / Electronica[67]

showTotal available certified units: 172.9 million
US: 85.675 million[11]
JPN: 6.450 million [c][12][54]
GER: 12.4 million[13]
UK: 29.245 million[14]
FRA: 12.81 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 6.030 million[17]
AUS: 4.787 million[c][18][68][69]
BRA: 3.440 million[c][20]
NLD: 1.735 million[21]
ITA: 465,000[c][22]
SPA: 2.815 million[23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 1.070 million[c][25][60]
DEN: 407,000[c][61][62][70][28][71][72]
SWI: 1.080 million[c][29]
MEX: 510,000[c][48]
ARG: 1.098[30][31]
BEL: 740,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 602,500[c][34]
POL: 530,000[c][35]
FIN: 652,686[49]
NZ: 417,500[36][37]

300 million[73][74]275 million[75]

Elton John

United Kingdom

1964–present[76]

1969[76]

Pop / Rock[76]

showTotal available certified units: 182.6 million
US: 129.350 million[11]
JPN: 1.1 million [c][12]
GER: 7.9 million[c][13]
UK: 23.195 million[c][14]
FRA: 4.825 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 5.975 million[c][17]
AUS: 2.947 million[c][18][77]
BRA: 835,000[c][20]
NLD: 975,000[21]
SPA: 1.2 million[c][23][24][44][59]
SWE: 740,000[c][25]
DEN: 195,000[c][46][62][78][28]
SWI: 1.313 million[c][29]
MEX: 100,000[c][48]
ARG: 128,000[30][31]
BEL: 565,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 765,000[c][34]
POL: 150,000[c][35]
FIN: 163,481[49]
NZ: 255,000[c][36][37]

300 million[79][80]250 million[81][82]

Led Zeppelin

United Kingdom

1968–1980[83]

1969[83]

Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock[83]

showTotal available certified units: 140 million
US: 114.1 million[11]
JPN: 400,000 [c][12]
GER: 3.775 million[c][13]
UK: 9.530 million[c][14]
FRA: 2.310 million[c][15][16][84]
CAN: 4.710 million[17]
AUS: 2.8 million[c][18][85][86]
BRA: 820,000[c][20]
ITA: 465,000[c][22]
SPA: 450,000[c][24][44][59]
SWI: 211,000[c][29]
ARG: 360,000[c][30]
POL: 120,000[c][35]

300 million[87][88]200 million[89][90]

Pink Floyd

United Kingdom

1965–1996, 2014[91][92]

1967[91]

Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock[91]

showTotal available certified units: 120.1 million
US: 78 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[c][93]
GER: 7.5 million[c][13]
UK: 11.720 million[c][14]
FRA: 6.360 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 6.790 million[c][17]
AUS: 2.932 million[c][18][19]
BRA: 515,000[c][20]
NLD: 435,000[c][21]
ITA: 1.985 million[c][22]
SPA: 625,000[c][23][24][43][59]
SWE: 220,000[c][25][60]
SWI: 390,000[c][29]
ARG: 582,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 115,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 460,000[c][34]
POL: 590,000[c][35]
NZ: 787,500[c][36][37]

250 million[94][95]200 million[96]

tag: table

text: The column for certified sales includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

text: 200 million to 249 million records

text:
Rihanna

Eminem

Mariah Carey

Queen

Celine Dion

Whitney Houston

AC/DC

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[c]

Claimed sales

Rihanna

BarbadosUnited States

2005–present[97]

2005[97]

R&B / Pop / Dance / Hip-hop[97]

showTotal available certified units: 262.7 million
US: 193.55 million[11]
JPN: 1.4 million[12][54]
GER: 10.075 million[13]
UK: 32.9 million[14]
FRA: 1.465 million[16]
CAN: 3.120 million[17]
AUS: 9.325 million[18]
BRA: 705,000[20]
ITA: 1.550 million[c][22]
SPA: 1.470 million[23]
SWE: 2.480 million[25][60]
DEN: 1.172[61][62][28][70][78][98][99][100]
SWI: 860,000[29]
MEX: 410,000[48][101]
BEL: 660,000[33]
AUT: 135,000[34]
POL: 520,000[35]
IRE: 240,000[102]
NZ: 682,500[36][37]

230 million[103][104]

Eminem

United States

1996–present[105]

1999[105]

Hip-hop[105]

showTotal available certified units: 217.3 million
US: 163.2 million[11]
JPN: 2.9 million [12][54]
GER: 6.7 million[13]
UK: 25.025 million[14]
FRA: 3.288 million[16][84]
CAN: 4.010 million[17]
AUS: 5.947 million[18]
BRA: 220,000[20]
NLD: 250,000[21]
ITA: 700,000[c][22]
SPA: 290,000[23][59]
SWE: 910,000[25][60]
DEN: 656,000[c][61][28]
SWI: 805,000[29]
MEX: 365,000[48]
BEL: 505,000[32][33]
AUT: 362,500[34]
POL: 250,000[35]
FIN: 124,547[49]
IRE: 285,000[c][102]
NZ: 600,000[36][37]

220 million[106]200 million[107]

Mariah Carey

United States

1988–present[108]

1990[108]

R&B / Pop / Soul / Hip-hop[108]

showTotal available certified units: 138.7 million
US: 92.6 million[11]
JPN: 14.5 million [c][12][54][109]
GER: 3.750 million[13]
UK: 10.220 million[14]
FRA: 4.690 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 4.1 million[17]
AUS: 3.515 million[c][18][110]
BRA: 835,000[20]
NLD: 1.425 million[21]
ITA: 200,000[c][22]
SPA: 1 million[23][24][44][59]
SWE: 425,000[25]
DEN: 280,000[28][111]
SWI: 515,000[29]
BEL: 175,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 200,000[34]
POL: 100,000[c][35]
NZ: 240,000[c][36]

200 million[112][113]175 million[114][115]

Queen

United Kingdom

1971–present[116]

1973[116]

Rock[116]

showTotal available certified units: 128.3 million
US: 65 million[11]
JPN: 2.850 million[c][12][54][117]
GER: 12.375 million[c][13]
UK: 29.075 million[c][14]
FRA: 4.495 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 1.870 million[c][17]
AUS: 2.167 million[c][18][19]
BRA: 970,000[c][20]
NLD: 1.990 million[c][21]
ITA: 545,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.720 million[c][23][24][43][44]
SWE: 190,000[c][25]
DEN: 205,000[28]
SWI: 1.256 million[c][29]
ARG: 1.080 million[c][30][31]
BEL: 175,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 900,000[c][34]
POL: 810,000[c][35]
FIN: 366,152[49]
NZ: 275,000[c][36][37]

200 million[118]170 million[119]

Celine Dion

Canada

1981–present[120]

1981[120]

Pop[120]

showTotal available certified units: 127.9 million
US: 56.550 million[11]
JPN: 7.150 million[c][12][121][122]
GER: 8 million[13]
UK: 13.915 million[14]
FRA: 15.768 million[15][16][55][84]
CAN: 12.245 million[17]
AUS: 3.302 million[c][18][19]
BRA: 505,000[c][20]
NLD: 2.180 million[21]
SPA: 1 million[44][59]
SWE: 1.105 million[c][25]
DEN: 370,000[c][46][123][124][28]
SWI: 1.685 million[c][29]
ARG: 340,000[30]
BEL: 2.160 million[c][32][33]
AUT: 440,000[c][34]
POL: 680,000[c][35]
FIN: 356,183[49]
NZ: 192,500[36][37]

200 million[125][126]175 million[127][128]

Whitney Houston

United States

1977–2012[129]

1984[129]

R&B / Soul / Pop[129]

showTotal available certified units: 115.7 million
US: 76.775 million[11]
JPN: 4.3 million[c][12][130]
GER: 5.6 million[c][13]
UK: 15.205 million[14]
FRA: 2.275 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.430 million[17]
AUS: 1.755 million[c][18][19][131]
BRA: 1.025[c][20]
NLD: 780,000[21]
ITA: 140,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.260 million[23][24][43][44]
SWE: 1.035 million[c][25]
DEN: 140,000[62][28]
SWI: 845,000[c][29]
BEL: 215,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 535,000[c][34]
POL: 180,000[c][35]
FIN: 247,222[49]

200 million[132][133]170 million[134][135]

AC/DC

Australia

1973–present[136]

1975[136]

Hard rock / Blues rock / Rock and roll[136]

showTotal available certified units: 115 million
US: 79.7 million[11]
GER: 10.3 million[c][13]
UK: 5.5 million[14]
FRA: 4.180 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.490 million[c][17]
AUS: 7.740 million[c][18]
ITA: 775,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.355 million[c][23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 350,000[c][25][60]
DEN: 215,000[62][28][137]
SWI: 894,000[c][29]
ARG: 594,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 100,000[c][33]
AUT: 380,000[c][34]
FIN: 321,169[49]
NZ: 140,000[c][36][37]

200 million[138][139]150 million[140][141]

The Rolling Stones

United Kingdom

1962–present[142]

1963[142]

Rock / Blues rock [142]

showTotal available certified units: 99.1 million
US: 74.750 million[11]
JPN: 950,000[c][12]
GER: 3.8 million[c][13]
UK: 9.170 million[c][14]
FRA: 3.377 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 3.025 million[c][17]
AUS: 417,500[c][18]
BRA: 100,000[c][20]
NLD: 610,000[c][21]
ITA: 205,000[c][22]
SPA: 690,000[c][23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 310,000[c][25]
SWI: 238,000[c][29]
ARG: 718,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 120,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 300,000[c][34]
POL: 140,000[c][35]
NZ: 190,000[c][36][37]

200 million[143][144]

ABBA

Sweden

1972–1982[145]

1972[145]

Pop / Disco[145]

showTotal available certified units: 62.4 million
US: 12.7 million[11]
JPN: 1.5 million[c][54][146][147]
GER: 10.450 million[c][13]
UK: 19.170 million[c][14]
FRA: 2.750 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 2.785 million[c][17]
AUS: 6.127 million[c][18][148]
BRA: 275,000[c][20]
NLD: 1.390 million[c][21]
ITA: 120,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.005 million[c][23][43]
SWE: 800,000[c][25]
DEN: 600,000[c][149][150][151]
SWI: 600,000[c][29]
MEX: 260,000[c][48]
ARG: 238,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 380,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 175,000[c][34]
POL: 150,000[c][35]
FIN: 656,319[49]
NZ: 297,500[c][37][152][153]

200 million[154][155]100 million[156]

text: 120 million to 199 million records

text:
Taylor Swift

Garth Brooks

Justin Bieber

Eagles

Bruno Mars

Ed Sheeran

Kanye West

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[c]

Claimed sales

Taylor Swift

United States

2006–present[157]

2006[157]

Country / Country pop / Pop / Pop-rock[157]

showTotal available certified units: 199.7 million
US: 172.5 million[11]
JPN: 2.950 million[12][54]
GER: 1.750[13]
UK: 9.8 million[14]
FRA: 300,000[16]
CAN: 4.820 million[17]
AUS: 5.530 million[18]
BRA: 440,000[20]
ITA: 285,000[c][22]
SWE: 280,000[60]
DEN: 140,000>[28]
MEX: 510,000[48][101][158]
AUT: 100,000[34]
NZ: 382,500[36][37]

175 million[159]

Garth Brooks

United States

1989–present[160]

1989[160]

Country[160]

showTotal available certified units: 156.1 million
US: 149.4 million[11]
UK: 520,000[14]
CAN: 5.730 million[17]
AUS: 350,000[c][18][161]
IRE: 120,000[c][102]

160 million[162]

Eagles

United States

1971–1980, 1994–present[163]

1972[163]

Rock[163]

showTotal available certified units: 130.2 million
US: 108.9 million[11]
JPN: 600,000[c][12]
GER: 925,000[c][13]
UK:  8.035 million[c][14]
FRA: 2.040 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 4.2 million[c][17]
AUS: 3.395 million[c][18][164]
NLD: 540,000[c][21]
SPA: 500,000[c][23][24]
SWE: 140,000[c][25]
DEN: 185,000[c][62][28]
SWI: 290,000[c][29]
FIN: 124,749[49]
NZ: 352,500[c][36][37]

150 million[165]

U2

Ireland

1976–present[166]

1980[166]

Rock[166]

showTotal available certified units: 108.5 million
US: 53.1 million[11]
JPN: 1.450 million[c][12]
GER: 5.525 million[13]
UK: 18.720 million[14]
FRA: 5.125 million[15][16]
CAN: 7.155 million[17]
AUS: 4.412 million[c][18][19][167]
BRA: 2.675 million[c][20]
NLD: 945,000[21]
ITA: 855,000[c][22]
SPA: 2.295 million[23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 515,000[c][25]
DEN: 518,000[c][61][62][28][78][168]
SWI: 696,000[c][29]
MEX: 835,000[c][48]
ARG: 806,000[30][31]
BEL: 750,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 522,500[c][34]
POL: 370,000[c][35]
FIN: 235,460[49]
IRE: 316,000[c][102]
NZ: 765,000[36][37]

150 million[169]

Billy Joel

United States

1964–present[170]

1971[170]

Pop / Rock[170]

showTotal available certified units: 103 million
US: 87.950 million[11]
JPN: 2 million[c][12][171]
GER: 1.250 million[c][13]
UK: 5.715 million[c][14]
FRA: 925,000[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 3.275 million[c][17]
AUS: 1.267[c][18][19]
NLD: 350,000[c][21]
AUT: 125,000[c][34]
NZ: 162,500[c][36]

150 million[172]

Phil Collins

United Kingdom

1980–2011, 2015–present[173]

1981[173]

Rock / Progressive rock / Adult contemporary[173]

showTotal available certified units: 89.7 million
US: 39.850 million[11]
JPN: 800,000[c][12]
GER: 13.8 million[13]
UK: 16.050 million[14]
FRA: 6.410 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.375 million[17]
AUS: 1.522[c][18][19]
BRA: 1.370 million[c][20]
NLD: 1.050 million[21]
SPA: 2.150 million[23][24][44][59]
SWE: 245,000[c][25]
SWI: 973,000[c][29]
ARG: 1.044 million[30][31]
BEL: 330,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 440,000[c][34]
FIN: 182,581[49]
NZ: 122,500[36][37]

150 million[174]

Aerosmith

United States

1970–present[175]

1973[175]

Hard rock[175]

showTotal available certified units: 84.9 million
US: 70.250 million[11]
JPN: 2.7 million[c][12][54]
GER: 2 million[c][13]
UK: 3.230 million[14]
FRA: 225,000[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.950 million[c][17]
AUS: 225,000[c][18][176]
BRA: 600,000[c][20]
NLD: 200,000[c][21]
ITA: 100,000[c][22]
SPA: 200,000[c][23][44]
SWE: 260,000[c][25]
SWI: 145,000[c][29]
MEX: 230,000[c][48]
ARG: 338,000[c][30][31]
AUT: 125,000[c][34]
POL: 100,000[c][35]
FIN: 101,722[49]

150 million[177]

Frank Sinatra

United States

1935–1995[178]

1939[178]

Pop / Swing[178]

showTotal available certified units: 37.5 million
US: 28.2 million[c][11]
GER: 1 million[c][13]
UK: 5.645 million[c][14]
FRA: 600,000[c][15]
CAN: 650,000[c][17]
AUS: 315,000[c][18][179]
BRA: 350,000[c][20]
SPA: 500,000[c][24][44][59]
SWE: 130,000[c][25]
ARG: 188,000[c][30][31]

150 million[180]

Barbra Streisand

United States

1960–present[181]

1963[181]

Pop / Adult contemporary[181]

showTotal available certified units: 98.2 million
US: 82.450 million[11]
GER: 750,000[c][13]
UK: 5.765 million[c][14]
FRA: 3.150 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 2.650 million[c][17]
AUS: 2.152 million[c][18]
NLD: 710,000[c][21]
SPA: 150,000[c][59]
SWE: 120,000[25][60]
FIN: 186,501[c][49]
NZ: 137,500[c][36]

145 million[182]

Justin Bieber

CanadaUnited States

2008–present[183]

2009[183]

Pop / Teen pop, Dance pop[183]

showTotal available certified units: 150.7 million
US: 103.5 million[11]
JPN: 850,000 [12][54]
GER: 4 million[13]
UK:  18.285 million[14]
FRA: 1.098[16]
CAN: 5.780 million[17]
AUS: 4.795 million[18]
BRA: 810,000[20]
ITA: 1.895 million[22]
SPA: 880,000[23]
SWE: 2.020 million[25][60]
DEN: 2.250 million[28]
MEX: 2.970 million[48][101]
BEL: 450,000[33]
POL: 370,000[35]
AUT: 140,000[34]
NZ: 615,000[36]

140 million[184]

Bruno Mars

United States

2004–present[185]

2010[185]

Pop rock / R&B[185]

showTotal available certified units: 128.8 million
US: 91.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.2 million[12][54]
GER: 3.4 million[13]
UK: 14.8 million[14]
FRA: 1.950 million[16]
CAN: 5.240 million[17]
AUS: 5.925 million[18]
ITA: 760,000[c][22]
SPA: 490,000[23]
SWE: 440,000[25][60]
DEN: 480,000[c][28][186]
SWI: 405,000[29]
MEX: 810,000[48][158]
BEL: 360,000[33]
AUT: 180,000[34]
NZ: 592,500[36]
PHL: 330,000[187]

130 million[188]

Ed Sheeran

United Kingdom

2004–present[189]

2011[189]

Pop / Folk pop [189]

showTotal available certified units: 128.1 million
US: 56 million[11]
JPN: 350,000[12][54]
GER: 7.850 million[13]
UK: 37.260 million[14]
FRA: 1.691 million[16]
CAN: 6.440 million[17]
AUS: 7.840 million[18]
NLD: 330,000[21]
ITA: 2.590 million[22]
SPA: 770,000[23]
SWE: 1.360 million[60]
DEN: 2.315 million[28]
SWI: 635,000[29]
MEX: 180,000[48]
BEL: 665,000[33]
AUT: 355,000[34]
POL: 360,000[35]
NZ: 1.2 million[36]

126 million[190]

Kanye West

United States

1996–present[191]

2004[191]

Hip-hop / Electronic / Pop rock[191]

showTotal available certified units: 119.8 million
US: 101.750 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[192]
GER: 1.350[13]
UK: 12.060 million[14]
CAN: 1.180 million[17]
AUS: 2.135 million[18]
ITA: 160,000[c][22]
SWE: 160,000[60]
DEN: 414,000[62][28][70][193]

121 million[194]

Bruce Springsteen

United States

1972–present[195]

1973[195]

Rock[195]

showTotal available certified units: 102.7 million
US: 76.150 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[c][12]
GER: 4.325 million[c][13]
UK: 7.345 million[14]
FRA: 1.887 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.2 million[c][17]
AUS: 3.362 million[c][18]
BRA: 100,000[c][20]
NLD: 740,000[c][21]
ITA: 575,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.730 million[c][23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 810,000[c][25][60]
DEN: 255,000[c][61][28][70][196]
SWI: 400,000[c][29]
BEL: 155,000[33]
AUT: 290,000[c][34]
FIN: 449,800[49]
IRE: 189,500[c][102]
NZ: 375,000[36][37]

120 million[197]

Metallica

United States

1981–present[198]

1983[198]

Heavy metal / Thrash metal[198]

showTotal available certified units: 95.6 million
US: 73.3 million[11]
JPN: 900,000[c][12]
GER: 4.025 million[13]
UK: 3.535 million[14]
FRA: 940,000[15][16]
CAN: 3.885 million[17]
AUS: 2.637 million[c][18][19][199]
BRA: 380,000[c][20]
NLD: 460,000[21]
ITA: 180,000[c][22]
SPA: 420,000[23][44][59]
SWE: 675,000[c][25]
DEN: 180,000[28][62]
SWI: 560,000[c][29]
MEX: 430,000[c][48][101]
ARG: 874,000[30][31]
BEL: 385,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 340,000[c][34]
POL: 735,000[c][35]
FIN: 530,676[49]
NZ: 315,000[36][37]

120 million[200]

Bee Gees

United Kingdom Australia[201][202]

1963–20032009–2012[203]

1963[203]

Pop / Disco[203]

showTotal available certified units: 69.3 million
US: 42.5 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[c][12][204][205]
GER: 6.675 million[c][13]
UK: 9.525 million[c][14]
FRA: 3.4 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 3.215 million[c][17]
AUS: 1.187 million[c][18]
BRA: 350,000[c][20]
NLD: 540,000[c][21]
SPA: 450,000[c][24][43][59]
SWI: 415,000[c][29]
ARG: 188,000[c][30][31]
AUT: 125,000[c][34]
POL: 100,000[c][35]
NZ: 380,000[c][36][37]

120 million[206]

text: 100 million to 119 million records

text:
Katy Perry

Adele

Lady Gaga

Lil Wayne

Jay-Z

B'z

Bon Jovi

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[c]

Claimed sales

Lady Gaga

United States

2005–present[207]

2008[207]

Pop / Dance / Electronic[207]

showTotal available certified units: 102.2 million
US: 69.5 million[11]
JPN: 5.4 million[12][54]
GER: 4.1 million[13]
UK: 11.585 million[14]
FRA: 1.647 million[16]
CAN: 2.4 million[17]
AUS: 2.890 million[18]
BRA: 470,000[20]
NLD: 130,000[21]
ITA: 840,000[c][22]
SPA: 410,000[23]
SWE: 680,000[25][60]
DEN: 340,000[62][28][100]
SWI: 445,000[29]
MEX: 420,000[48][101][158]
BEL: 270,000[33]
AUT: 182,500[34]
POL: 130,000[35]
IRE: 165,000[102]
NZ: 277,500[36][37]

114 million[208]

Katy Perry

United States

2001–present[209]

2008[209]

Pop[209]

showTotal available certified units: 137.8 million
US: 104 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[12][54]
GER: 3.8 million[13]
UK: 13.010 million[14]
FRA: 867,000[16]
CAN: 6.160 million[17]
AUS: 5.3 million[18]
BRA: 625,000[20]
ITA: 790,000[c][22]
SPA: 180,000[23]
SWE: 600,000[25][60]
DEN: 235,000[61][28]
SWI: 160,000[29]
MEX: 960,000[48][101][158]
BEL: 135,000[33]
AUT: 247,500[34]
NZ: 360,000[36][37]

100 million[210]

Adele

United Kingdom

2006–present[211]

2008[211]

Pop, soul[211]

showTotal available certified units: 105.9 million
US: 61 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[12]
GER: 4.7 million[13]
UK: 21.050 million[14]
CAN: 6.120 million[17]
AUS: 3.955 million[18]
BRA: 1.310 million[20]
NLD: 380,000[21]
ITA: 1.570 million[c][22]
SPA: 800,000[23]
SWE: 320,000[25][60]
DEN: 857,500[61][28]
MEX: 1.490 million[48]
SWI: 510,000[29]
BEL: 795,000[33]
POL: 300,000[c][35]
FIN: 151,639[49]
NZ: 577,500[36]

100 million[212]

Lil Wayne

United States

1996–present[213]

1999[213]

Hip-hop[213]

showTotal available certified units: 101.7 million
US: 94.7 million[11]
GER: 300,000[13]
UK:  3.060 million[14]
CAN: 280,000[17]
AUS: 630,000[18]

100 million[214]

Jay-Z

United States

1996–present[215]

1996[215]

Hip-hop[215]

showTotal available certified units: 100.8 million
US: 84.7 million[11]
JPN: 1.050 million[54]
GER: 2 million[13]
UK:  9.520 million[14]
FRA: 400,000[16]
CAN: 1.6 million[17]
AUS: 1.260[18]
ITA: 205,000[c][22]
SWE: 130,000[25][60]

100 million[216]

B'z

Japan

1988–present[217]

1988[217]

Rock / Pop rock / Hard rock[217]

showTotal available certified units: 85.8 million
JPN: 85.85 million[c][12][54][109]

100 million[218]

Bon Jovi

United States

1983–present[219]

1983[219]

Hard rock / Glam metal[219]

showTotal available certified units: 85.1 million
US: 49.9 million[11]
JPN: 4.4 million[c][12][54]
GER: 5.650 million[13]
UK: 9.690 million[14]
FRA: 825,000[15][16][55]
CAN: 4.735 million[17]
AUS: 3.030 million[c][18][220][221]
BRA: 435,000[c][20]
NLD: 710,000[21]
ITA: 160,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.620 million[23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 365,000[c][25][60]
SWI: 1.275 million[c][29]
MEX: 250,000[c][48]
ARG: 358,000[30][31]
BEL: 290,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 725,000[c][34]
POL: 120,000[c][35]
FIN: 422,500[49]
NZ: 210,000[36][37]

100 million[222]

Beyoncé

United States

1997–present[223]

2002[223][224]

R&B / Pop[223]

showTotal available certified units: 84.4 million
US: 57.150 million[11]
JPN: 1.7 million [12][54]
GER: 1.550 million[13]
UK: 15.845 million[14]
FRA: 560,000[16][84]
CAN: 1.475 million[17]
AUS: 3.115 million[18]
BRA: 390,000[20]
ITA: 285,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.190 million[c][23][225]
SWE: 120,000[25][60]
DEN: 312,500[62][28][70][100][226][227]
SWI: 165,000[29]
MEX: 110,000[48]
BEL: 115,000[33]
POL: 110,000[35]
NZ: 210,000[36][37]

100 million[228]

Coldplay

United Kingdom

1996–present[229]

1999[229]

Alternative rock, Pop rock, Pop[229]

showTotal available certified units: 83 million
US: 30.6 million[11]
JPN: 750,000[12][54]
GER: 4.550 million[13]
UK: 25.645 million[14]
FRA: 3.013[16]
CAN: 3.585 million[17]
AUS: 3.795 million[18]
BRA: 340,000[20]
NLD: 390,000[21]
ITA: 2.835 million[c][22]
SPA: 1.030 million[23]
SWE: 750,000[25][60]
DEN: 894,000[61][28]
SWI: 550,000[29]
MEX: 1.890 million[48][101]
ARG: 528,000[30][31]
BEL: 765,000[33]
AUT: 197,500[34]
POL: 320,000[c][35]
IRE: 210,000[c][102]
NZ: 345,000[36]

100 million[230]

Linkin Park

United States

1996–present[231]

2000[231]

Alternative rock / Nu metal / Rap rock[231]

showTotal available certified units: 82.8 million
US: 61.6 million[11]
JPN: 1.550 million[12][54]
GER: 5.850 million[13]
UK: 6.605 million[14]
FRA: 1.025[16]
CAN: 1.330 million[17]
AUS: 1.485 million[18]
BRA: 595,000[20]
ITA: 690,000[c][22]
SPA: 175,000[23]
SWE: 165,000[25][60]
DEN: 175,000[61][28]
SWI: 435,000[29]
MEX: 225,000[48]
BEL: 140,000[33]
AUT: 252,500[34]
POL: 220,000[35]
FIN: 120,469[49]
NZ: 252,500[36][37]

100 million[232]

Britney Spears

United States

1998–present[233]

1998[233]

Pop / Dance / Dance-pop[233]

showTotal available certified units: 82.2 million
US: 46.2 million[11]
JPN: 2.1 million[12][130]
GER: 5.350 million[13]
UK: 10.750 million[14]
FRA: 3.732 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 3.680 million[17]
AUS: 3.165 million[18]
BRA: 380,000[20]
NLD: 665,000[21]
ITA: 200,000[c][22]
SPA: 990,000[23][44][59]
SWE: 1.010 million[25][60]
DEN: 180,000[c][61][62][234][235]
SWI: 485,000[29]
MEX: 1.175 million[c][48]
ARG: 248,000[30][31]
BEL: 935,000[32][33]
AUT: 365,000[34]
POL: 210,000[35]
FIN: 143,627[49]
NZ: 240,000[36][37]

100 million[236]

Rod Stewart

United Kingdom

1964–present[237]

1969[237]

Rock / Pop[237]

showTotal available certified units: 78.2 million
US: 43.650 million[11]
JPN: 450,000[c][12]
GER: 3.8 million[c][13]
UK: 18.630 million[c][14]
FRA: 1.8 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 4.055 million[c][17]
AUS: 2.610 million[c][18][19]
BRA: 980,000[c][20]
NLD: 140,000[c][21]
SPA: 290,000[c][23][24][43]
SWE: 440,000[c][25]
SWI: 100,000[c][29]
ARG: 524,000[c][30][31]
AUT: 100,000[c][34]
POL: 220,000[c][35]
IRE: 195,000[c][102]
NZ: 280,000[c][36][37]

100 million[238]

Fleetwood Mac

United Kingdom United States

1967–present[239]

1968[239]

Rock / Pop[239]

showTotal available certified units: 77.9 million
US: 51.250 million[11]
UK: 14.785 million[c][14]
GER: 3.5 million[c][13]
FRA: 800,000[c][15][16]
AUS: 2.767 million[c][18][19]
CAN: 2.950 million[c][17]
NLD: 590,000[c][21]
SPA: 300,000[c][44][59]
SWI: 100,000[c][29]
BEL: 100,000[c][33]
NZ: 572,500[c][37][240][241]

100 million[242]

Guns N' Roses

United States

1985–present[243]

1987[243]

Hard rock / Heavy metal[243]

showTotal available certified units: 75.6 million
US: 48.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.7 million[c][12]
GER: 4.1 million[13]
UK: 6.550 million[14]
FRA: 1 million[16]
CAN: 3.520 million[17]
AUS: 2.410[c][18][19][164]
BRA: 1.9 million[c][20]
NLD: 705,000[21]
ITA: 710,000[c][22]
SPA: 450,000[23][24][43]
SWE: 485,000[25]
DEN: 175,000[c][28][244]
SWI: 365,000[c][29]
MEX: 760,000[c][48]
ARG: 1.248 million[c][30][31]
BEL: 165,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 365,000[34]
POL: 160,000[c][35]
IRE: 105,000[c][102]
NZ: 270,000[36][37]

100 million[245]

Backstreet Boys

United States

1993–present[246]

1995[246]

Pop[246]

showTotal available certified units: 73 million
US: 41.5 million[11]
JPN: 5.4 million[12][54][247]
GER: 7 million[13]
UK: 4.875 million[14]
FRA: 325,000[15][16]
CAN: 3.430 million[17]
AUS: 1.4 million[c][18]
BRA: 1.625 million[20]
NLD: 830,000[21]
SPA: 1.850 million[44][59]
SWE: 655,000[25]
DEN: 165,000[c][248][249][28]
SWI: 415,000[29]
MEX: 1.475 million[c][48]
ARG: 740,000[30]
BEL: 450,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 325,000[34]
POL: 300,000[35]
FIN: 171,390[49]
NZ: 132,500[36]

100 million[250]

George Strait

United States

1981–present[251]

1984[251]

Country[251]

showTotal available certified units: 72.8 million
US: 72.150 million[11]
CAN: 705,000[17]

100 million[252]

Neil Diamond

United States

1966–present[253]

1966[253]

Pop / Rock[253]

showTotal available certified units: 68.9 million
US: 55.9 million[11]
GER: 1 million[c][13]
UK:  7.330 million[c][14]
FRA: 400,000[c][15]
CAN: 1.725 million[c][17]
AUS: 2.085 million[c][18][254]
NLD: 250,000[c][21]
SPA: 100,000[c][43]
NZ: 127,500[c][36][37]

100 million[255]

Santana

United States

1966–present[256]

1969[256]

Rock[256]

showTotal available certified units: 65.2 million
US: 50.295 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[c][12]
GER: 2.4 million[c][13]
UK: 2.980 million[c][14]
FRA: 3.510 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 1.660 million[c][17]
AUS: 855,000[c][18]
BRA: 375,000[c][20]
NLD: 540,000[c][21]
SPA: 450,000[c][44][59]
SWE: 125,000[c][25]
SWI: 375,000[c][29]
MEX: 405,000[c][48]
ARG: 158,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 190,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 145,000[c][34]
POL: 205,000[c][35]
NZ: 135,000[c][36][37]

100 million[257]

Prince

United States

1976–2016[258]

1978[258]

Funk / R&B / Pop / Soul / Rock[258]

showTotal available certified units: 65.1 million
US: 48.950 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[c][12]
GER: 2.4 million[13]
UK: 7.245 million[14]
FRA: 2.110 million[15][16]
CAN: 1 million[17]
AUS: 1.120[c][18][19]
NLD: 670,000[c][21]
SPA: 700,000[c][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 100,000[25]
SWI: 250,000[c][29]
AUT: 125,000[c][34]
NZ: 177,500[c][36]

100 million[259]

Kenny Rogers

United States

1958–present[260]

1975[260]

Country / Pop[260]

showTotal available certified units: 61.4 million
US: 54.050 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[c][261]
UK: 2.520 million[14]
CAN: 4.6 million[17]
AUS: 100,000[c][262][263]
SPA: 100,000[c][43]

100 million[264]

Paul McCartney

United Kingdom

1960–present[265]

1970[265]

Rock[265]

showTotal available certified units: 60.6 million
US: 41.450 million[11]
JPN: 500,000[c][12]
GER: 1.525 million[c][13]
UK: 12.425 million[c][14]
FRA: 1.305 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 1.955 million[c][17]
AUS: 465,000[c][18][19]
SPA: 640,000[c][24][43]
SWE: 210,000[c][60][266]
DEN: 210,000[c][62][28]

100 million[267]

Simon & Garfunkel

United States

1956–present[268]

1964[268]

Folk rock[268]

showTotal available certified units: 59.2 million
US: 42.6 million[11]
JPN: 700,000[c][12]
GER: 2.325 million[c][13]
UK: 6.620 million[c][14]
FRA: 3.9 million[c][15]
CAN: 1.425 million[c][17]
AUS: 390,000[c][18][19]
NLD: 300,000[c][21]
ITA: 100,000[c][22]
SWE: 150,000[c][25]
SWI: 450,000[c][29]
AUT: 100,000[c][34]
FIN: 163,350[c][49]

100 million[269]

Janet Jackson

United States

1982–present[270]

1982[270]

R&B / Pop[270]

showTotal available certified units: 52.5 million
US: 39.750 million[11]
JPN: 1.6 million [c][12]
GER: 1.4 million[13]
UK: 4.760 million[14]
FRA: 1.475 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 1.460 million[17]
AUS: 1.155[c][18][19]
NLD: 400,000[21]
SPA: 150,000[44][59]
SWE: 105,000[c][25]
SWI: 170,000[c][29]
BEL: 125,000[c][32]

100 million[271]

Julio Iglesias

Spain

1968–present[272]

1968[272]

Latin[272]

showTotal available certified units: 51.2 million
US: 11 million[11]
JPN: 800,000[c][273]
GER: 250,000[c][13]
UK: 1.620 million[c][14][273]
FRA: 6.1 million[15][16][55][273]
CAN: 1.5 million[17]
AUS: 505,000[c][18][273]
BRA: 12.475 million[c][20][273]
NLD: 1.2 million[c][21][273]
ITA: 400,000[c][22][273]
SPA: 8.7 million[c][23][24][43][44][59][273]
SWE: 290,000[c][25][273]
MEX: 2.975 million[c][48][273]
ARG: 3.220 million[c][30][273]
BEL: 125,000[c][273][33]
FIN: 131,636[c][49]

100 million[274]

Chicago

United States

1967–present[275]

1969[275]

Rock / Pop[275]

showTotal available certified units: 48.4 million
US: 44.150 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[c][12][276]
GER: 250,000[c][13]
UK: 1.490 million[c][14]
FRA: 100,000[c][15]
CAN: 1.865 million[17]
NLD: 100,000[c][21]
SPA: 100,000[c][24]

100 million[277]

Dire Straits

United Kingdom

1977–1995[278]

1978[278]

Rock [278]

showTotal available certified units: 46.5 million
US: 15.5 million[11]
GER: 3.750 million[13]
UK: 11.8 million[14]
FRA: 5.3 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.575 million[17]
AUS: 2.190 million[c][18][19]
BRA: 175,000[c][20]
NLD: 900,000[21]
ITA: 385,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.380 million[c][23][24][43][44]
SWE: 360,000[c][25]
DEN: 195,000[c][62][61][28]
SWI: 1 million[c][29]
BEL: 100,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 300,000[c][34]
FIN: 471,530[49]
NZ: 155,000[c][37]

100 million[279]

Bob Dylan

United States

1959–present[280]

1963[280]

Folk / Rock[280]

showTotal available certified units: 45.3 million
US: 35.6 million[11]
GER: 625,000[c][13]
UK: 6.025 million[c][14]
FRA: 800,000[c][15][16]
CAN: 1.5 million[c][17]
AUS: 480,000[c][18]
SWI: 175,000[c][29]
NZ: 105,000[c][36]

100 million[281]

Def Leppard

United Kingdom

1977–present[282]

1979[282]

Hard rock / Heavy metal[282]

showTotal available certified units: 41.8 million
US: 35.650 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[c][12]
UK: 1.960 million[14]
FRA: 200,000[15]
CAN: 2.995 million[17]
AUS: 385,000[19][283]
SWE: 150,000[c][25]
SWI: 125,000[c][29]
MEX: 200,000[c][48]

100 million[284]

Cher

United States

1964–present[285]

1965[285]

Pop / Rock / Dance / Folk[285]

showTotal available certified units: 41 million
US: 21.9 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[c][12]
GER: 4.175 million[c][13]
UK: 6.510 million[c][14]
FRA: 1.525 million[c][16][55]
CAN: 1.340 million[c][17]
AUS: 1.530 million[c][18][286]
BRA: 125,000[c][20]
NLD: 375,000[c][21][287][288]
ITA: 300,000[c][289]
SPA: 600,000[c][44][59][289]
SWE: 850,000[c][25][60]
SWI: 295,000[c][29]
MEX: 200,000[c][48]
DEN: 370,000[c][289][28]
ARG: 106,000[c][30][273]
BEL: 275,000[c][32]
AUT: 250,000[c][34]
POL: 100,000[c][35]
NZ: 150,000[36][290]

100 million[291]

Genesis

United Kingdom

1967–19992006–present[292]

1969[292]

Progressive rock / Pop rock[292]

showTotal available certified units: 40.2 million
US: 21.650 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[c][12]
GER: 5.875 million[c][13]
UK: 7.325 million[c][14]
FRA: 3.460 million[c][15][16]
CAN: 805,000[c][17]
NLD: 300,000[c][21]
SPA: 250,000[c][23][24][43]
SWE: 100,000[c][25]
SWI: 400,000[c][29]

100 million[293]

Olivia Newton-John

Australia

1966–present[294]

1966[294]

Pop[294]

showTotal available certified units: 35.9 million
US: 27 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[c][12]
GER: 250,000[c][13]
UK: 3.950 million[c][14]
FRA: 1 million[55]
CAN: 3.025 million[c][17]
AUS: 450,000[c][18][19][295]
NLD: 150,000[c][21]

100 million[296]

James Taylor

United States

1968–present[297]

1970[297]

Rock / Pop[297]

showTotal available certified units: 35.5 million
US: 34.650 million[11]
UK: 655,000[c][14]
CAN: 100,000[c][17]
AUS: 100,000[c][18]

100 million[298]

Stevie Wonder

United States

1961–present[299]

1962[299]

Funk / R&B / Soul[299]

showTotal available certified units: 35.1 million
US: 21.650 million[11]
JPN: 1.050 million[c][12]
GER: 500,000[c][13]
UK: 8.485 million[c][14]
FRA: 1.4 million[c][15][55]
CAN: 1.550 million[17]
NLD: 250,000[c][21]
SPA: 250,000[c][43]

100 million[300]

David Bowie

United Kingdom

1962–2016[301]

1967[301]

Art rock / Glam rock / Pop[301]

showTotal available certified units: 34.3 million
US: 13.7 million[11]
JPN: 200,000[c][12]
GER: 525,000[c][13]
UK: 13.495 million[c][14]
FRA: 2.380 million[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 2.315 million[c][17]
AUS: 635,000[c][18][77]
NLD: 465,000[c][21]
ITA: 345,000[c][22]
SPA: 170,000[c][23][24][43]
NZ: 142,500[c][36]

100 million[302]

Tina Turner

United States

1955–present[303]

1975[303]

Rock / Pop[303]

showTotal available certified units: 33.4 million
US: 12.7 million[11]
GER: 6.050 million[13]
UK: 8.145 million[14]
FRA: 1.135 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 1.560 million[17]
AUS: 480,000[c][18][19]
NLD: 565,000[c][21]
SPA: 700,000[c][23][24][43][44]
SWE: 330,000[c][25]
SWI: 565,000[c][29]
BEL: 190,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 630,000[c][34]
POL: 120,000[c][35]
FIN: 241,954[49]

100 million[304]

Linda Ronstadt

United States

1967–present[305]

1968[305]

Rock / Folk / Country[305]

showTotal available certified units: 32.5 million
US: 31.5 million[11]
UK: 435,000[c][14]
FRA: 100,000[c][15]
CAN: 500,000[c][17]

100 million[306]

Donna Summer

United States

1968–2012[307]

1974[307]

Pop / Disco / R&B[307]

showTotal available certified units: 30.9 million
US: 24.5 million[11]
UK: 3.735 million[c][14]
FRA: 900,000[c][15][16]
CAN: 1.550 million[c][17]
BRA: 100,000[c][20]
NLD: 100,000[c][21]
SPA: 100,000[c][44]

100 million[308]

The Beach Boys

United States

1961–present[309]

1962[309]

Rock / Pop / Surf Rock[309]

showTotal available certified units: 30.7 million
US: 25.6 million[11]
GER: 250,000[c][13]
UK: 3.610 million[c][14]
FRA: 400,000[c][15][16][55]
CAN: 100,000[c][17]
AUS: 492,500[c][18][19]
SPA: 250,000[c][43][44]

100 million[310]

The Who

United Kingdom

1964–present[311]

1965[311]

Rock / Hard rock[311]

showTotal available certified units: 27.5 million
US: 22.150 million[11]
UK: 4.565 million[c][14]
FRA: 300,000[c][15]
CAN: 425,000[c][17]
ITA: 125,000[c][22]

100 million[312]

Barry White

United States

1972–2003[313]

1973[313]

R&B / Soul[313]

showTotal available certified units: 21.7 million
US: 16.5 million[11]
UK: 3.665 million[c][14]
FRA: 1.1 million[c][15][16]
CAN: 150,000[c][17]
SPA: 200,000[c][59]
BEL: 175,000[c][33]

100 million[314]

text: 80 million to 99 million records

text:
Chris Brown

Nicki Minaj

Shania Twain

Flo Rida

Pink

Justin Timberlake

Van Halen

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[c]

Claimed sales

Shania Twain

Canada

1993–present[315]

1993[315]

Country pop[315]

showTotal available certified units: 77.1 million
US: 54.5 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[12]
GER: 1.750 million[13]
UK: 7.395 million[14]
FRA: 975,000[16][55]
CAN: 6.880 million[17]
AUS: 2.360 million[c][18]
BRA: 475,000[20]
NLD: 540,000[21]
SPA: 100,000[59]
SWE: 330,000[25]
DEN: 210,000[c][61][28]
SWI: 310,000[29]
MEX: 100,000[c][48]
ARG: 120,000[30]
BEL: 250,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 115,000[34]
NZ: 402,500[36][37]

90 million[316]

Pink

United States

1995–present[317]

2000[317]

Pop, Pop rock, R&B[317]

showTotal available certified units: 70.6 million
US: 32.225 million[11]
JPN: 400,000[12]
GER: 5.725 million[13]
UK: 13.575 million[14]
FRA: 1.198 million[16][55]
CAN: 4.130 million[17]
AUS: 9.870 million[18]
NLD: 175,000[21]
ITA: 425,000[c][22]
SWE: 530,000[25]
SWI: 565,000[29]
DEN: 281,500[61][28]
MEX: 360,000[48]
BEL: 235,000[33]
AUT: 417,500[34]
POL: 100,000[35]
NZ: 465,000[36][37]

90 million[318]

The Carpenters

United States

1969–1983[319]

1969[319]

Pop[319]

showTotal available certified units: 46 million
US: 34.6 million[11]
JPN: 2.9 million[c][12][122][320]
GER: 250,000[c][13]
UK: 7.950 million[c][14]
CAN: 275,000[c][17]
BRA: 100,000[c][20]

90 million[321]

Lionel Richie

United States

1968–present[322]

1981[322]

Pop / R&B[322]

showTotal available certified units: 40.8 million
US: 28.650 million[11]
GER: 1.050 million[c][13]
UK: 6.555 million[c][14]
FRA: 1.4 million[c][15][16]
CAN: 2.380 million[c][17]
AUS: 260,000[c][18][323]
BRA: 100,000[c][20]
NLD: 180,000[21]
SPA: 150,000[24][43]
SWI: 145,000[c][29]

90 million[324]

Earth, Wind & Fire

United States

1969–present[325]

1971[325]

Funk / R&B / Soul[325]

showTotal available certified units: 36.1 million
US: 31.8 million[11]
JPN: 500,000[c][12][326][327]
UK: 2.725 million[14]
FRA: 500,000[15][16]
CAN: 360,000[17]
NLD: 250,000[c][21]

90 million[328]

Johnny Cash

United States

1954–2003[329]

1956[329]

Country / Rock and roll / Gospel[329]

showTotal available certified units: 31.1 million
US: 25.7 million[11]
GER: 550,000[c][13]
UK: 3.910 million[c][14]
CAN: 490,000[c][17]
AUS: 522,500[c][18]

90 million[330]

Justin Timberlake

United States

1992–present[331]

2002[331]

Pop, R&B, Neo soul[331]

showTotal available certified units: 66.9 million
US: 43.2 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[12]
GER: 3.050 million[13]
UK: 12.720 million[14]
FRA: 578,000[16][55]
CAN: 2.480 million[17]
AUS: 2.380 million[18]
NLD: 105,000[21]
ITA: 345,000[c][22]
SPA: 120,000[59]
SWE: 210,000[25]
DEN: 440,000[61][28]
SWI: 230,000[29]
MEX: 330,000[48]
BEL: 300,000[33]
POL: 170,000[35]
NZ: 185,000[36]

88 million[332]

Chris Brown

United States

2005–present[333]

2005[333]

Pop / R&B, Hip-hop [333]

showTotal available certified units: 100 million
US: 84.050 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[54]
GER: 450,000[13]
UK: 10.240 million[14]
CAN: 770,000[17]
AUS: 2.590 million[18]
BRA: 570,000[20]
ITA: 140,000[22]
SWE: 310,000[60]
DEN: 197,500[28]
MEX: 150,000[48]
NZ: 260,000[36]

86 million[334]

Nicki Minaj

United States

2008–present[335]

2010[335]

Hip-hop, Pop[335]

showTotal available certified units: 85.5 million
US: 68.5 million[11]
JPN: 450,000[54]
GER: 1.150 million[13]
UK:  8.9 million[14]
FRA: 566,000[16]
CAN: 800,000[17]
AUS: 3.115 million[18]
BRA: 250,000[20]
ITA: 485,000[22]
SPA: 220,000[23]
SWE: 420,000[25][60]
DEN: 220,000[28]
SWI: 120,000[29]
MEX: 150,000[48][101]
NZ: 247,500[36]

85 million[336]

R.E.M.

United States

1980–2011[337]

1983[337]

Alternative rock[337]

showTotal available certified units: 42.8 million
US: 21.150 million[11]
GER: 4.275 million[13]
UK: 8.765 million[14]
FRA: 1.450 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.650 million[17]
AUS: 1.030[c][18][19]
BRA: 100,000[c][20]
NLD: 100,000[21]
ITA: 225,000[c][22]
SPA: 1.1 million[23][24][44][59]
SWE: 500,000[c][25]
DEN: 155,000[c][61][62]
SWI: 450,000[c][29]
ARG: 158,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 185,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 350,000[c][34]
IRE: 127,500[c][102]
NZ: 105,000[36]

85 million[338]

Flo Rida

United States

2007–present[339]

2007[339]

Hip-hop, Hip house, EDM[339]

showTotal available certified units: 70.8 million
US: 49 million[11]
JPN: 650,000[c][12][54]
GER: 3.7 million[13]
UK: 7.960 million[14]
FRA: 225,000[16]
CAN: 3.090 million[17]
AUS: 3.605 million[c][18]
ITA: 360,000[c][22]
SPA: 140,000[59]
SWE: 780,000[25]
SWI: 420,000[29]
DEN: 205,000[c][28]
MEX: 330,000[c][48]
AUT: 180,000[34]
NZ: 247,500[36][37]

80 million[340]

Van Halen

United States

1978–present[341]

1978[341]

Hard rock / Heavy metal[341]

showTotal available certified units: 64.5 million
US: 57.8 million[11]
JPN: 1.3 million[c][12][130]
GER: 1.5 million[13]
UK: 740,000[14]
FRA: 400,000[15]
CAN: 2.450 million[17]
BRA: 200,000[c][20]
NLD: 200,000[21]

80 million[342]

Ayumi Hamasaki

Japan

1998–present[343]

1998[343]

J-pop / Pop / dance / electronic[343]

showTotal available certified units: 64.3 million
JPN: 64.3 million[12][54][109]

80 million[344][345]

Red Hot Chili Peppers

United States

1983–present[346]

1987[346]

Funk rock / Alternative rock[346]

showTotal available certified units: 59.4 million
US: 32.250 million[11]
JPN: 2.6 million[c][12][54]
GER: 2.650 million[13]
UK:  10.795 million[14]
FRA: 1.420 million[16]
CAN: 2.020 million[17]
AUS: 2.625 million[c][18][19][347]
BRA: 515,000[c][20]
NLD: 660,000[21]
ITA: 570,000[c][22]
SPA: 640,000[23][44][59]
SWE: 390,000[c][25]
SWI: 405,000[c][29]
MEX: 150,000[c][48]
DEN: 227,000[c][61][62][70][28]
BEL: 195,000[c][33]
ARG: 406,000[30][31]
AUT: 247,500[c][34]
POL: 245,000[c][35]
FIN: 171,951[49]
NZ: 285,000[36][37]

80 million[348]

Foreigner

United StatesUnited Kingdom

1976–present[349]

1977[349]

Rock / Hard Rock[349]

showTotal available certified units: 49.3 million
US: 45.1 million[11]
GER: 1.5 million[13]
UK: 1.3 million[14]
FRA: 400,000[15][16]
CAN: 700,000[17]
AUS: 105,000[c][18]
NLD: 150,000[21]
SWI: 125,000[c][29]

80 million[350]

George Michael

United Kingdom

1981–2016[351]

1984[351]

Pop[351]

showTotal available certified units: 48 million
US: 20.8 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[c][12]
GER: 2.4 million[13]
UK: 12.850 million[14]
FRA: 3.217 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 1.870 million[17]
AUS: 2.205 million[c][18][19]
BRA: 350,000[c][20]
NLD: 1.140 million[21]
SPA: 850,000[23][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 310,000[c][25]
DEN: 400,000[61][28][70][352]
SWI: 335,000[c][29]
ARG: 118,000[30][31]
BEL: 315,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 140,000[c][34]
POL: 340,000[c][35]
NZ: 140,000[36][37]

80 million[353]

The Doors

United States

1965–1973[354]

1967[354]

Psychedelic rock[354]

showTotal available certified units: 46.9 million
US: 36.6 million[11]
GER: 1.750 million[c][13]
UK: 2.040 million[c][14]
FRA: 1.9 million[c][15][16]
CAN: 2.780 million[c][17]
AUS: 1.022 million[c][18]
BRA: 100,000[20]
ITA: 130,000[c][22]
SPA: 300,000[c][43][59]
SWI: 125,000[c][29]
ARG: 150,000[c][30]
AUT: 100,000[c][34]

80 million[355]

Reba McEntire

United States

1975–present[356]

1987[356]

Country / Country Pop[356]

showTotal available certified units: 42.7 million
US: 41.9 million[11]
CAN: 850,000[17]

80 million[357]

Meat Loaf

United States

1968–present[358]

1977[358]

Rock / Hard rock[358]

showTotal available certified units: 42.2 million
US: 23.6 million[11]
GER: 2.350 million[13]
UK: 9.665 million[14]
CAN: 3.380 million[17]
AUS: 2.522 million[c][18][19]
NLD: 425,000[21]
SWE: 100,000[c][25]
SWI: 115,000[c][29]
AUT: 100,000[c][34]

80 million[359]

Tom Petty

United States

1976–2017[360]

1977[360]

Rock[360]

showTotal available certified units: 34.7 million
US: 31.250 million[11]
GER: 500,000[13]
UK: 1.060 million[14]
CAN: 1.7 million[17]
SWE: 200,000[c][25]

80 million[361]

Johnny Hallyday

France

1957–2017[362]

1960[362]

Rock / Pop[362]

showTotal available certified units: 25.4 million
FRA: 24.672 million[c][15][16][55][84][363]
SWI: 268,000[c][29]
BEL: 510,000[c][32][33]

80 million[364]

text: 75 million to 79 million records

text:
Maroon 5

Journey

Tim McGraw

The Black Eyed Peas

Usher

R. Kelly

Robbie Williams

text:
Artist

Country / Market

Period active

Release-year of first charted record

Genre

Total certified units(from available markets)[c]

Claimed sales

The Black Eyed Peas

United States

1995–present[365]

1998[365]

Hip-hop / R&B / Dance[365]

showTotal available certified units: 58.8 million
US: 31.4 million[11]
JPN: 1.250 million[12][54]
GER: 3.3 million[13]
UK: 10.8 million[14]
FRA: 2.650 million[16]
CAN: 2.7 million[17]
AUS: 3.270 million[18]
BRA: 255,000[20]
NLD: 160,000[21]
ITA: 365,000[c][22]
SPA: 460,000[23]
SWE: 300,000[25][60]
DEN: 161,000[c][28][70][100][61]
SWI: 460,000[29]
MEX: 390,000[c][48]
BEL: 460,000[33]
IRE: 135,000[c][102]
NZ: 340,000[36][37]

76 million[366]

Maroon 5

United States

1994–present[367]

2002[367]

Pop rock / Funk rock / Dance-pop[367]

showTotal available certified units: 66.4 million
US: 37.2 million[11]
JPN: 2 million[12][54]
GER: 2.550[13]
UK: 10.360 million[14]
FRA: 792,000[16]
CAN: 4.085 million[17]
AUS: 3.045 million[18]
BRA: 380,000[20]
ITA: 785,000[c][22]
SPA: 250,000[c][23]
SWE: 770,000[25][60]
DEN: 517,500[c][28][62][61]
MEX: 3.365[48]
NZ: 345,000[36]

75 million[368]

Journey

United States

1973–present[369]

1975[369]

Rock / Soft rock[369]

showTotal available certified units: 62.1 million
US: 59.7 million[11]
JPN: 300,000[c][12][370]
UK: 1.4 million[14]
CAN: 725,000[17]

75 million[371]

Tim McGraw

United States

1990–present[372]

1994[372]

Country[372]

showTotal available certified units: 61.7 million
US: 60.150 million[11]
UK: 200,000[14]
CAN: 1.375 million[17]

75 million[373]

Usher

United States

1991–present[374]

1994[374]

R&B / Pop[374]

showTotal available certified units: 56.4 million
US: 41.435 million[11]
JPN: 750,000 [12][54]
GER: 1.150[13]
UK: 8.925 million[14]
FRA: 210,000[16]
CAN: 1.330 million[17]
AUS: 2.112 million[18]
SWE: 105,000[25][60]
DEN: 137,500[c][28][62]
SWI: 170,000[29]
NZ: 150,000[36]

75 million[375]

R. Kelly

United States

1989–present[376]

1991[376]

R&B / Soul / Hip-hop[376]

showTotal available certified units: 55.6 million
US: 46.9 million[11]
GER: 1.4 million[13]
UK: 5.420 million[14]
FRA: 825,000[16]
CAN: 300,000[17]
AUS: 105,000[18]
NLD: 365,000[21]
SWI: 100,000[29]
BEL: 275,000[32][33]

75 million[377]

Robbie Williams

United Kingdom

1990–present[378]

1996[378]

Pop rock[378]

showTotal available certified units: 52.8 million
US: 500,000[11]
GER: 10.275 million[13]
UK: 27.550 million[14]
FRA: 2.695 million[16][55]
CAN: 250,000[17]
AUS: 2.905 million[18]
NLD: 1.205 million[21]
ITA: 385,000[c][22]
SPA: 440,000[c][23][59]
SWE: 445,000[25][60]
DEN: 676,500[c][61][62][28][70][78]
SWI: 998,000[29]
MEX: 1.595 million[c][48]
ARG: 462,000[30][31]
BEL: 600,000[32][33]
AUT: 917,500[34]
POL: 140,000[35]
FIN: 235,743[49]
IRE: 135,000[c][102]
NZ: 445,000[36]

75 million[379]

Kenny G

United States

1982–present[380]

1984[380]

Smooth jazz[380]

showTotal available certified units: 52.1 million
US: 48.1 million[11]
JPN: 700,000[c][12]
UK: 360,000[14]
CAN: 950,000[17]
AUS: 245,000[c][18][179]
BRA: 1.350 million[c][20]
SPA: 450,000[24][44]

75 million[381]

Tupac Shakur

United States

1991–1996[382]

1991[382]

Hip-hop[382]

showTotal available certified units: 51.7 million
US: 46.2 million[11]
GER: 650,000[13]
UK: 3.695 million[14]
CAN: 820,000[17]
AUS: 430,000[18][383]

75 million[384]

Enya

Ireland

1982–present[385]

1987[385]

New-age / Celtic[385]

showTotal available certified units: 50.8 million
US: 26.5 million[11]
JPN: 4.6 million[c][12]
GER: 4.2 million[13]
UK: 5.250 million[14]
FRA: 775,000[15][16]
CAN: 1.540 million[17]
AUS: 1.505[c][18][19]
BRA: 1.650 million[c][20]
NLD: 730,000[21]
SPA: 1.760 million[23][44]
SWE: 390,000[25]
DEN: 100,000[c][26][386][387][388]
SWI: 370,000[c][29]
MEX: 125,000[c][48]
ARG: 390,000[30]
BEL: 510,000[c][33]
AUT: 185,000[c][34]
POL: 120,000[c][35]
NZ: 135,000[36]

75 million[389]

Alabama

United States

1972–present[390]

1980[390]

Country / Pop rock[390]

showTotal available certified units: 48 million
US: 46.8 million[11]
CAN: 1.2 million[17]

75 million[391]

Nirvana

United States

1987–1994[392]

1989[392]

Grunge / Alternative rock[392]

showTotal available certified units: 47 million
US: 26.5 million[11]
JPN: 1.3 million[c][12]
GER: 1.5 million[13]
UK: 5.970 million[14]
FRA: 2.5 million[15][16]
CAN: 2.970 million[17]
AUS: 1.362[c][18][199][393][254][394]
BRA: 725,000[c][20]
NLD: 250,000[21]
ITA: 600,000[c][22]
SPA: 450,000[23][24][44]
SWE: 380,000[25]
DEN: 160,000[c][28]
SWI: 190,000[29]
MEX: 475,000[c][48]
ARG: 522,000[30][31]
BEL: 375,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 230,000[c][34]
POL: 335,000[c][35]
NZ: 215,000[36][37]

75 million[395]

Bryan Adams

Canada

1979–present[396]

1979[396]

Rock[396]

showTotal available certified units: 45.7 million
US: 21 million[11]
JPN: 600,000[c][12]
GER: 4.1 million[13]
UK: 8.935 million[14]
FRA: 650,000[15][16][55]
CAN: 5.120 million[17]
AUS: 2.010 million[c][18][397]
BRA: 100,000[c][20]
NLD: 500,000[21]
SPA: 450,000 [c][24][44][59]
SWE: 440,000[c][25]
DEN: 105,000[c][62][28]
SWI: 805,000[c][29]
BEL: 375,000[c][32][33]
AUT: 375,000[c][34]
FIN: 183,444[49]

75 million[398]

Bob Marley

Jamaica

1962–1981[399]

1975[399]

Reggae[399]

showTotal available certified units: 40.9 million
US: 21.850 million[11]
JPN: 200,000[c][12]
GER: 1.750 million[13]
UK: 8.7 million[14]
FRA: 4.735 million[16]
CAN: 600,000[17]
AUS: 350,000[400][401]
NLD: 420,000[c][21]
ITA: 275,000[c][22]
SPA: 450,000[c][24][43][44][59]
SWE: 120,000[c][25]
SWI: 303,000[c][29]
ARG: 376,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 225,000[33]
AUT: 125,000[c][34]
NZ: 427,500[c][36][37]

75 million[402]

The Police

United Kingdom

1977–19862007–2008[403]

1978[403]

Pop / Rock[403]

showTotal available certified units: 39.4 million
US: 23.150 million[11]
JPN: 100,000[c][12]
GER: 1.775 million[13]
UK: 8.560 million[14]
FRA: 3.340 million[15][16][55]
CAN: 875,000[17]
AUS: 407,500[c][18]
BRA: 140,000[c][20]
NLD: 250,000[21]
ITA: 100,000[c][22]
SPA: 300,000[c][24][43]
MEX: 100,000[c][48]
ARG: 228,000[c][30][31]
BEL: 115,000[c][33]

75 million[404]

Barry Manilow

United States

1973–present[405]

1973[405]

Pop / Soft rock[405]

showTotal available certified units: 36.5 million
US: 33.3 million[11]
UK: 2.825 million[14]
CAN: 400,000[c][17]

75 million[406]

Kiss

United States

1972–present[407]

1974[407]

Hard rock / Heavy metal[407]

showTotal available certified units: 28 million
US: 26 million[11]
CAN: 1.495 million[c][17]
UK: 100,000[14]
AUS: 130,000[c][18]
NLD: 200,000[c][21]
ARG: 112,000[c][30]

75 million[408]

Aretha Franklin

United States

1956–present[409]

1961[409]

Soul / Jazz / Blues / R&B[409]

showTotal available certified units: 24.7 million
US: 23.5 million[11]
UK: 840,000[c][14]
FRA: 275,000[c][15][16]
CAN: 150,000[c][17]

75 million[410]


document_title: Cowboys & Aliens

question_text: where was the movie cowboys and aliens filmed

text: Cowboys & Aliens

text: Plot[edit]

text: In 1873 New Mexico Territory, an unnamed loner (Daniel Craig) awakens injured in the desert with no memory and with a strange metal thing on his wrist. He wanders into the town of Absolution, where preacher Meacham treats his wound. Sheriff Taggart recognizes the stranger as wanted outlaw Jake Lonergan and attempts to arrest him. Jake beats up the posse sent to take him in and nearly escapes, but a woman named Ella Swenson (Olivia Wilde) knocks him out. Taggart prepares to transport both Jake and volatile drunk Percy Dolarhyde to Santa Fe for trial.

text: Percy's father, Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), a ruthless cattle baron, demands Percy be released. He also demands Jake be released to him, since Jake had stolen gold from him. During the standoff, alien spacecraft begin attacking the town. Percy, the sheriff and other townsfolk are abducted by long, whip-like feelers hanging from the bottom of the ships. Jake's bracelet activates and becomes a weapon; he shoots down a ship, ending the attack.

text: Dolarhyde, Ella, and other townsfolk form a posse to track an injured alien that escaped from the downed ship. Meanwhile, Jake travels to an abandoned cabin and, in a flashback, recalls returning to it with stolen gold and then being abducted, along with a woman named Alice, by the aliens. His memories returning, Jake joins up with the posse. During the evening, the group comes upon a capsized paddle wheel steamboat that the aliens apparently dumped hundreds of miles from any rivers capable of holding it. They camp in it, and during the night the alien they were tracking kills Meacham, who sacrifices himself to save Emmett, Taggart's grandson.

text: By morning, most of the posse has deserted, and those remaining are attacked by Jake's former gang. Jake, who had stolen the gang's loot after their last heist, attempts to retake control but it is foiled. The aliens begin attacking them again and Ella is captured. Jake jumps aboard the ship and attacks the alien pilot, causing the ship to crash. The alien survives the crash, suddenly comes out of the water and attacks Ella, fatally wounding her. Jake then kills the alien with his wrist-blaster.

text: The remaining posse is captured by Chiricahua Apache Native Americans, who blame them for the alien attacks. After Ella's corpse is dumped on a fire by a Chiricahua warrior, she is resurrected and emerges from the fire. Ella reveals herself to be from another alien race, who had travelled to Earth to help resist the invaders after they destroyed her home world. The aliens, who are mining gold and abducting people to conduct experiments to find humans' weaknesses, are far stronger and more durable than humans, and have superior weaponry, but are not invulnerable. They can be stabbed and shot to death, but only Jake's gauntlet weapon or a well-aimed shot with a rifle can kill them with a single blast. Ella tells them that the aliens which previously attacked them are just scouts.

text: She also claims Jake holds the secret to the aliens' whereabouts and argues that they must defeat the aliens before the invaders exterminate all life on earth. After taking medicine offered by the Apaches' medicine man, Jake recalls that Alice was euthanized after she was used in an alien experiment, but he had escaped, inadvertently stealing the gauntlet-like alien weapon encasing his wrist. He then also remembers the location of the aliens' base of operations.

text: Armed with this knowledge, the group, now led by Dolarhyde, prepares to attack the aliens' grounded mother ship. Meanwhile, Jake returns to his old gang and persuades them to join the fight. After the humans maneuver the aliens into a ground battle, Jake and Ella board the ship and free the captives, but Jake is captured. Dolarhyde rescues him, and both men escape from the ship after killing the alien responsible for Alice's death. As the remaining aliens are taking off in their damaged craft, Ella sacrifices herself by entering the ship's core and destroying it by using Jake's wrist gauntlet as a bomb, obliterating the ship.

text: With the aliens gone the abducted townsfolk begin to remember their pasts. Still a wanted man, Jake decides to leave, though the sheriff and Dolarhyde say they will claim he was killed in the invasion. The citizens intend to reconstruct their town.

text: Cast[edit]

text: The cast includes:[7]

text:
Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan, an amnesiac outlaw.
Harrison Ford as Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde, a powerful cattleman.
Olivia Wilde as Ella Swenson, a mysterious traveler who aids Lonergan.
Sam Rockwell as Doc, owner of Absolution's local saloon (when he isn't tending to patients).
Paul Dano as Percy Dolarhyde, Woodrow's trouble-making son.
Clancy Brown as Meacham, Absolution's preacher and doctor (when the real one is too busy tending bar) .
Keith Carradine as Sheriff John Taggart, Absolution's sheriff.
Noah Ringer as Emmett Taggart, John Taggart's grandson.
Adam Beach as Nat Colorado, Dolarhyde's Native American right-hand man.
Abigail Spencer as Alice, Jake's lost love.
Ana de la Reguera as María, Absolution's saloon maid and Doc's wife.
Walton Goggins as Hunt, a bandit and friend of Lonergan.
Julio Cedillo as Bronc, a Mexican bandit.
David O'Hara as Pat Dolan, Lonergan's former gang-member.
Toby Huss as Roy Murphy
Raoul Trujillo as Black Knife, the Chiricahua Apache chief.
Paul Ortega as Apache Medicine Man

text: Production[edit]

text: Development and casting[edit]

text: The project began development in 1997, when Universal Pictures and DreamWorks bought film rights to a concept pitched by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, former president at Malibu Comics, which he described as a graphic novel in development. They hired Steve Oedekerk to write and direct the film, which Oedekerk planned to do after completing Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. Rosenberg, who formed Platinum Studios to pursue adapting Cowboys & Aliens and other Malibu Comics properties into film and television, joined as a producer.[9] By 1998, Oedekerk left the project to pursue a remake of the 1964 film The Incredible Mr. Limpet with Jim Carrey.[10] By 2004, the film rights were acquired by Columbia Pictures, who did not move the project beyond development.[11]

text: In 2006, Rosenberg published Cowboys & Aliens as a graphic novel. In the following year, Universal and DreamWorks partnered again to adapt Cowboys & Aliens into a film.[12] In June 2008, Robert Downey, Jr. entered negotiations to star in the film as Zeke Jackson, a former Union Army gunslinger.[13] While Downey, Jr. was making Iron Man 2, he told director Jon Favreau about Cowboys & Aliens. Favreau investigated the project,[14] and in September 2009, he joined as director.[15] Downey, Jr. left the project in January 2010, to star in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,[16] and later in the month, Daniel Craig was hired to replace him.[17] Favreau said Craig's portrayal of James Bond "brings a certain virtuosity".[18] He also described Craig, "On the one hand, he's like this Jason Bourne type, a leading man who's also a lethal character, but on the other hand, he's also got a lot of humanity and vulnerability to him."[19]

text: In April 2010, Harrison Ford was cast alongside Craig.[20] Favreau had cast Craig and Ford in the film because they were actors who suited the action-adventure roles so the characters would be less seen as comedic. The director compared Ford, in particular, with John Wayne in having "a sense of history" with the actor and the role.[18] Before Cowboys & Aliens, Ford had previously acted in the Western films A Time for Killing in 1967, Journey to Shiloh in 1969 and The Frisco Kid in 1979.[21] While Ford is well known for playing Indiana Jones, the filmmakers wanted to avoid giving him a cowboy hat that would remind audiences too much of Jones. Writer Alex Kurtzman said, "We needed to make sure that—no pun intended—we tipped a hat to iconography of Harrison Ford and also presented the audience with a very different version."[22]

text: Olivia Wilde was cast in one of the lead roles, and Favreau called Wilde's character the key to the film.[14] Sam Rockwell was cast in a supporting role as Doc. The character was described as a large Mexican in the original script,[23] but when Favreau and the writers learned of Rockwell's interest in the film, they reconceived and expanded the role.[24] Favreau himself is known for appearing in his films, but for Cowboys & Aliens, he chose not to make a cameo appearance because he thought it would affect the tone of the film.[14] However, his face does appear on a wanted poster as "Todd Kravitz" in the scene establishing Craig as "Lonergan".

text: When asked about how the film was developing, Rosenberg stated, "It's incredible. Sometimes it's like seeing exactly what was going through my head when I first had that spark in my head as a kid. Jon Favreau's bringing his own talent and vision with the adaptation, but at the same time it remains true to what I was really trying to get at in the original story."[25]

text: Steven Spielberg, one of the film's executive producers, visited the director and the writers during pre-production to look over the script and the artwork. He provided Favreau with a collection of classic Western films.[19] Spielberg also invited the director and the writers to a private screening of several Western films and provided live commentary on how to make one properly.[26] The films included Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, and Destry Rides Again.[21] Spielberg made several other suggestions: a main enemy alien,[27] Jake's final use of the gauntlet being to decapitate an alien,[28] and that Jake and Ella's first kiss should occur in the climax of the film.[29]

text: Writing[edit]

text: In the film's period as a developing project under several studios, different versions of the screenplay were drafted by numerous screenwriters, beginning with Steve Oedekerk. Other screenwriters involved included David Hayter, Thomas Dean Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, Jeffrey Boam, Thompson Evans, and Chris Hauty.[13] When Universal and DreamWorks re-partnered in 2007, they hired Hawk Ostby and Mark Fergus.[12] In 2009, Ostby and Fergus were replaced by Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Damon Lindelof.[30] Kurtzman and Orci analyzed American Western films including The Searchers. Orci said, "The first draft was very kind of jokey and broad and then it went very serious. You kind of swing back and forth between the two extremes and the tone until you find the exact right point where a Western and a sci-fi movie can really shake hands without it seeming unnatural."[23] "Imagine you're watching Unforgiven and then Aliens land," Orci explained.[31]

text: Orci also said, "The comic has the themes of enemies uniting to fight a common enemy and has the setting of that specific time period, so we kept the inspiration from all of that. In terms of the specifics of the story and who these characters are, we wanted the audience to be surprised and to not feel like they've already seen everything if they were fans of the comic. So, while the themes and the setting and many of the elements are a great inspiration, the story is completely adapted and translated for live action."[32] The aliens were loosely based on the Anunnaki gods of Zecharia Sitchin's interpretation of the Babylonian religion, who have a distinct interest in gold.[33]

text: Filming[edit]

text: Cowboys & Aliens was not originally planned to be shown in 3-D. When approached with the idea by DreamWorks, Favreau was not interested, stating that Westerns should be shot only on film (as opposed to being shot digitally, which is required for modern 3D technology),[34] and didn't want it to be converted after filming. "That would be like filming in black and white and colorizing it," he reasoned.[35] Director of photography Matthew Libatique shot Cowboys & Aliens in the anamorphic format on 35 mm film to further a "classic movie feel".[4]

text: On a budget of $163 million,[2] principal photography for Cowboys & Aliens began[36] at Albuquerque Studios in New Mexico on June 30, 2010.[37] One of the filming locations was Plaza Blanca, "The White Place", where Western films like The Missing, 3:10 to Yuma, City Slickers, Young Guns, and The Legend of the Lone Ranger had been filmed.[26] Sound stage work took place in Los Angeles, with additional location shooting at Randsburg, California.[36] Filming finished on September 30.[38]

text: A scene in which Craig's character rides a horse alongside a ravine and jumps down it onto a spacecraft emulated many scenes in American Western films where cowboys rode along a moving train and jumped on it. Favreau said the scene referenced the one in the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark where Indiana Jones chases a truck and noted that a similar scene existed in the 1939 film Stagecoach, saying "We're constantly referencing back to our roots."[18] Cowboys & Aliens also make multiple references to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, such as the introduction to the aliens through the bright lights on their aircraft[39] and an upturned paddle steamer in the middle of the desert.[40] The film also "tease[s]" monster movies, and the scenes in the paddle steamer were a deliberate homage to Alien.[41]

text: Design and effects[edit]

text: Scott Chambliss was hired as the production designer based on his work on Star Trek, produced by Orci and Kurtzman.[42] The visual effects were created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), represented by Roger Guyett[43] and Eddie Pasquarello as visual effects supervisors. Under the supervision of Shane Mahan,[44] Legacy Effects created practical puppet aliens and full scale alien speeders. New Deal Studios constructed a miniature of the paddle steamer that is seen upturned in the film. Kerner Optical built a miniature of the alien ship and bluescreen stand-ins. The film also featured visual effects by Fuel VFX, The Embassy, Ghost, and Shade VFX, with previsualization from Halon Entertainment.[4]

text: Favreau noted that Cowboys & Aliens focuses on a specific aspect of the alien genre which primarily revolves around the films of the 1980s:[18] "And although we have quite a bit of CG—I like the way they told stories before—before you could show everything with CG. And it was a real unveiling of the creature, little by little, and using lighting and camera work and music to make it a very subjective experience. And so we tried to preserve that here."[26] In designing the film's aliens, ILM was careful to make the creatures "cool and captivating".[6] Guyett stated that they adopted a similar approach to that of District 9:

text: The trick was to make [the aliens] interesting through their behavior and what happens to them, and that was something that District 9 did very well. You were drawn into their world a bit and their idiosyncrasies had an immediate impact: they ate cat food. But those details overwhelm certain design aspects, so I was striving to find some behavior that fit in well with the Western genre, where you have people in very arduous conditions fighting the elements. And I thought that the irony of all this was that the aliens turn up and it could be more exaggerated for them. They're frontiersmen in a way: traveling to another place and having to deal with all the adversities of the climate. And in our case, we played up the fact that they weren't comfortable in our world. There are flies all around them; they don't like the light; and when they were wounded and exposed, a strange fungus grows around them.[6]

text: The use of anamorphic widescreen (rather than shooting full-frame "flat" and cropping later) gave ILM no extra room to re-frame shots; it was a challenge to show both nine-foot-tall aliens and smaller humans in the same space. Instead, Guyett said, they shot more areas in case portions of the shots were lost. In filming the gun battle between the cowboys and aliens, in which the aliens move at twice the speed of the humans, actors were required to ride through the scene on horseback and shoot at men in gray suits and three-foot-tall hats; they aimed at faces drawn by Jon Favreau on the top of the hats. A big challenge for ILM's texture artists was to show the aliens in both a dark cave environment and harsh sunlight. The creatures were rendered in high resolution for close-ups; dirt and wounds were added to the aliens to emphasize the injuries they sustained in battle. After Favreau requested that the aliens experience a very unpleasant biological reaction to being wounded on Earth, the texture team created a yellow fungus-like look on the scars of the aliens. To design the fungus, texture supervisor Martin Murphy searched the Internet for real pictures of mold and growth on trees and eventually designed a "fried egg pattern".[4] The heads of the aliens were based on those of sea turtles, after Favreau encountered sea turtles during a trip to Hawaii.[41]

text: At the suggestion of Steven Spielberg,[27] an "über-alien" was also designed.[6] It was unclear if the red scar Jake gives the über-alien after escaping vivisection would be enough of an identifier to distinguish it from other aliens, so the creature was redesigned[27] with translucent, pale skin due to the lack of time spent outside.[41] Favreau described the über-alien as more fleshy and anthropomorphic than the other aliens[45] and Murphy commented, "There are some parts of him like his arm that you can see into. It's almost like glass or ice or gelatiny surface that blends into a dryer area. The  [sic] there's pieces of him that are more like a soft-shell crab or shiny and wet."[4]

text: In addition to the aliens, other visual effects were required for the speeders, the alien spaceship, its interior, environment re-creations, and the head-up display for Jake's arm gauntlet. For the invasion of the town of Absolution, both practical laser lighting and fire effects were utilized, along with practical ships and effects enhancements. ILM artists had to enhance the initial look of the alien "bolos", the cables used to abduct people, with renderings such as extra lights, after viewers thought the studio had failed to "paint out" the cables in the film’s first trailer. For a scene in which Jake and Ella ride on a speeder, the actors were filming on a practical mock-up against bluescreen; they were digitally replaced in wider shots.[4]

text: Themes[edit]

text: In Cowboys & Aliens, Director Jon Favreau sought a plausible approach to how humans from the late 19th century could confront extraterrestrial beings armed with advanced weaponry. He said, "It was very well laid out, well planned, and there were a lot of discussions with a lot of actors who called me to task on things that seemed too convenient, so we made sure we earned each step."[19] The director also sought to maintain a Western tone as aliens appeared in the film, saying, "It's very easy to just cut the string and then all of a sudden the action starts and you're in Independence Day."[19] Favreau cited the works of John Ford and Sergio Leone as sources of inspiration as well as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.[23] Favreau also wanted the science-fiction element to stand on its own,[19] referencing Alien, Predator, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.[23] He said of both genres, "It's about finding the intersection of those two genres . . . If you do it right, it honors both, and it becomes interesting and clever and a reinvention of two things that people understand the conventions of, instead of just a retread or remake or sequel or reboot of a film you've seen before."[19]

text: In the Americas, Native American nations were severely damaged by European settlers, specifically because of the Europeans' advanced military technology. Favreau compared the film to the historical confrontation "in the frustration of not having the technology to allow you to prevail. It's always the low-tech culture that feels powerless when faced with an enemy that has technology on their side."[18] In the film, the cowboys are the low-tech culture, and the aliens with advanced technology possess the belief of Manifest Destiny. Favreau also said of the premise, "It allows the cowboys and Native Americans to come together, which would be impossible had there not been a greater common enemy. It sets the Western up in a very classic way and then turns it on its ear."[18] When the aliens appear, the film becomes a road movie in which the main characters try to track the aliens, team up with different groups, and ultimately confront the aliens. Favreau compared the gathering to The Magnificent Seven in facing seemingly insurmountable odds in their confrontation.[46]

text: The character of Meacham also presents an unconventional take on Christian principles to support the film's main theme of redemption. According to Favreau, Meacham's teaching Doc how to shoot not only references similar scenes in other Westerns but also "teach[es] him how to be a person".[47] Meacham's dying words to Jake, "God don't care who you were, Son, only who you are", speaks of the central theme of redemption.[48] The hummingbird that Jake sees at various points in the film is a "good spirit" that could represent either Alice or Ella; an alternate theory is that Ella was an angel that helped Jake "get over" Alice.[49] Favreau also suggested a back-story to Cowboys & Aliens: the über-alien is the mastermind of the invasion; all other aliens are "worker bees", possibly genetically engineered by another species of aliens that remained on their home planet and sent the worker bees as conquistadors.[27]

text: Marketing[edit]

text: Cowboys & Aliens, which crosses genres with the American Western element of cowboys and the science-fiction element of extraterrestrials, has an "inherently comic" title and premise.[5] At the San Diego Comic-Con International in July 2010, director Jon Favreau hosted a presentation and was accompanied by the film's primary cast members, including Harrison Ford in his first Comic-Con appearance.[35] In the presentation, Favreau explained to audiences that he intended the film as a serious mix of the Western styles of Sergio Leone and John Ford and "really scary" science fiction like Alien and Predator.[5] The first trailer for the film appeared in the following November, and The New York Times reported that film audiences found the premise comedic. Eddie Egan, the president of marketing at Universal Pictures, acknowledged the misconception and said, "The trailer is the first very public step in reconciling the tone of the movie with the more immediate effect of the title on its own."[5] The studio anticipated a marketing campaign that would demonstrate that the film is "a tough-minded adventure" like Unforgiven by Clint Eastwood.[5]

text: During Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011, the studio aired a TV spot for Cowboys & Aliens. Hours before the American football game, Favreau used Twitter to link followers to the spot online. Entertainment Weekly reported, "It . . . roused the geek-hive fan base and stirred new speculation about his hybrid of classic Westerns and extraterrestrial-invasion thrillers."[50] After the spot aired, Favreau said the first trailer was intended as an introduction to pique people's curiosity and that the Super Bowl TV spot was "showing more of the sense of adventure as things unfold".[18]

text: In April 2011, Favreau and Roberto Orci appeared at WonderCon in San Francisco, where they presented nine minutes of film footage and answered questions about the film. Favreau explained that marketing would show "only a brief glimpse of the aliens of the title" before the film is released. He explained the withholding of certain elements, "I think there are enough visionary people involved with this film that there is an understanding that there is a personality that the marketing campaign can take on as well as the film itself . . . I want to make sure that if the audience goes to see [the film], there is going to be a lot of surprises in it that they haven't seen in the marketing materials."[51]

text: Release[edit]

text: Cowboys & Aliens had its world premiere at the San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego on July 23, 2011.[52] It was commercially released in the United States and Canada on July 29, 2011, and in other territories in ensuing weekends.[53] Paramount Pictures International also released the film in IMAX theaters around the world, as it did for Favreau's previous film, Iron Man 2.[54]

text: Box Office Mojo forecast that Cowboys & Aliens would gross $95 million total in the United States and Canada. For the comparatively low figure, the website cited that the marketing had not contextualized the film effectively and that hybridized Western films like Jonah Hex and Wild Wild West were not successful at the box office.[55] In territories outside the United States and Canada, the website forecast $140 million total, citing that American Western films are not historically popular, but that the premise of the alien invasion and the presence of international stars like Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford would generate interest.[56] In contrast, box office tracker Paul Dergarabedian said the film's combination of cowboy and extraterrestrial themes in particular would attract audiences. Dergarabedian also believed that audiences' familiarity with Craig as character James Bond would help the film.[57]

text: Box office[edit]

text: On the opening day of Cowboys & Aliens, estimates showed that its opening day gross was $13.0 million and it came in second place to The Smurfs' opening day gross of $13.3 million. This was considered a surprise since Cowboys & Aliens was expected to be the clear winner for the weekend.[58] Estimates then showed Cowboys & Aliens and The Smurfs tied at the #1 spot for the weekend with $36.2 million each.[59] However, when the actual results for the weekend were announced Cowboys & Aliens won the weekend with $36.4 million just beating out The Smurfs, which grossed $35.6 million.[60] The film grossed $100,240,551 in the U.S. and Canada (making it the 500th $100 million domestic movie[61]) as well as $74,581,774 internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $174,822,325.[3] The film is considered to be a financial disappointment, narrowly grossing its budget back.[62][63][64] In 2014, the LA Times listed the film as one of the most expensive box office flops of all time.[65]

text: Critical reception[edit]

text: Cowboys & Aliens received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 43% based on 240 reviews with an average rating of 5.5/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford are as dependably appealing as ever, but they're let down by director Jon Favreau's inability to smooth Cowboys & Aliens jarring tonal shifts." On Metacritic, the film has a score of 50 out of 100 based 41 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[66][67] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.[68]

text: Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter praised the film, saying, "It sounds kooky on paper but on the screen cowboys and aliens make beautiful, fun music together." Honeycutt felt that the success of the film's blend of aliens and western themes was due to "the determination by everyone involved to play the damn thing straight. Even the slightest goofiness, the tiniest touch of camp, and the whole thing would blow sky high. But it doesn't." He criticized the aliens, which he said "don't rate as characters", existing as "moving blobs you shoot at in a video game."[69] Variety's Peter Debruge echoed Honeycutt's sentiments that the "potential hamminess" of the premise is offset by the cast, particularly Craig through a "mix of ruthlessness and sensitivity." He considered however, that Wilde had the opposite effect, stating she "appears out of place among her grizzled co-stars". Debruge appreciated the attention paid to the roots of the two genres, saying "beneath all the state-of-the-art special effects beats an old-fashioned heart, one that prizes both of the genres in play" and concluded that "a canny blend of CG and practical effects serve the sci-fi elements well, while location shooting and Mary Zophres' form-fitting period duds make the West look its best."[70] Nick Pinkerton of The Village Voice said the Western elements of the film were "lovingly" handled but called felt the science aspects a "gimmick" and "much more standard fare" in comparison. He added that "Ford, enlivened by dude garb, seems to enjoy himself in front of a camera for the first time in decades".[71]

text: Roger Ebert wrote that "as preposterous moneymakers go, it's ambitious and well-made. The acting from the large cast is of a high standard, Craig and Ford were more or less born into their roles, and director Jon Favreau actually develops his characters and gives them things to do, instead of posing them in front of special effects." He lamented however that the film was not a pure Western, saying of the aliens, "[T]here is more genuine suspense when [Percy Dolarhyde] starts shooting up the town than when countless aliens appear".[72] Salon's Andrew O'Hehir offered a mixed response, claiming the film to be well made and clever, and singling out Craig and Ford for their performances. O'Hehir was, however, critical of the combination of western and science-fiction elements, calling it "a mediocre western clumsily welded to a mediocre alien shoot-'em-up".[73]

text: Slant's Nick Schager reacted negatively, stating "Cowboys & Aliens mashes up genres with a staunch dedication to getting everything wrong, making sure that each scene is more inane than the one that preceded it"; giving the film one star out of four. Schager continued "Cowboys & Aliens's western accoutrements are [...] so false as to be stunning, with every steely-eyed glare from Craig's Man With No Memory, every confrontation between his Jake and Ford's grizzled Dolarhyde, and every silhouetted horseback ride across a sunset range seeming like a wan approximation of a familiar genre staple. [...] Favreau's visuals have an inauthentic and bland blockbuster sheen, and his actors are similarly afflicted with a case of poseur-itis (Craig's affected silent-type glowering, Ford's gruff racism, or Wilde's blank, wide-eyed stares), failing to deliver a single believable line-reading or gesture."[74]

text: Accolades[edit]

text: Cowboys & Aliens received five nominations. At the 39th Annie Awards, the film was nominated in Animated Effects in a Live Action Production for both Gary Wu and Lee Uren, but lost to Transformers: Dark of the Moon.[75] The ceremony took place on February 4, 2011. The film received nominations from the Art Directors Guild for Fantasy Film, honoring production designer Scott Chambliss, and[76] for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture at the 18th Screen Actors Guild Awards, but lost to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in both ceremonies.[77] Ford received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.[78]

text: Home media[edit]

text: Cowboys & Aliens was released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc on December 6, 2011.[79] The release includes an extended version of the film running 135 minutes, three behind-the-scenes featurettes, and feature commentary with director Jon Favreau.

text: Infringement lawsuit[edit]

text: On November 30, 2011, Steven John Busti filed a lawsuit against Universal, DreamWorks, Platinum Studios, and Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, claiming copyright infringement. Busti claimed he wrote a preview for his story Cowboys and Aliens in 1994, which was published in the April 1995 issue of Bizarre Fantasy #1.[80] The story was also previewed in a 1995 issue of "Comic Shop News", which was on the same page that featured coverage of Scott Mitchell Rosenberg.[81] Rosenberg and Platinum produced a one sheet depicting a cowboy being chased by an alien, which eventually led to Universal and DreamWorks buying film rights to their concept.[82]